Tara Murray
Brimbank council’s calls for more federal funding for the Calder Freeway upgrade went unanswered in last week’s federal budget.
The council had been hoping for funding for upgrades for the freeway between the M80 Ring Road and Gap Road on top of the $50 million which was allocated by the federal government in 2019.
There was no new funding, with just $400,000 from the existing commitment included in this year’s budget.
Nationals MP’s Bridget McKenzie’s office said the federal government will work with the state government to agree milestones and payment of allocated funding.
Planning for upgrades to the freeway is under way, with interim findings expected in the second half of this year.
Mayor Ranka Rasic said the budget didn’t outline any specifics for major investment in Brimbank.
“Overall, there seems to be little detail about how funding will be allocated and where it will go,” she said.
“Council welcomes continued investment from the federal government for jobs, health, infrastructure and other services.
“We are very keen for more detail noting the budget did not outline any specific major investment in Brimbank.”
Cr Rasic said the council would look to submit proposals to the $1 billion expansion of the local roads and community infrastructure program and would be advocating for funding of local projects aimed at strengthening regions through the $250 million building better regions fund.
“We have provided the federal government with a list of shovel ready projects that would help economic recovery in our area and it is disheartening to see very little detail about what will be done on the ground.
“Investment in childcare, aged care, programs to reduce violence and mental health are all welcome and we, again, look forward to more detail from the federal government about how this investment will bring about positive change in our city.
“There is no doubt that these community services have been chronically underfunded and urgent reform is needed.”
