The City of Casey has welcomed the Australian Government’s plan to invest $1.1 billion in Victoria’s road and rail projects as part of its JobMaker Plan in the Federal Budget 20-21.
As part of the funding boost, more than $142m has been committed to much-needed arterial road upgrades in Casey.
City of Casey Chair of Administrators Noelene Duff PSM said the investment into priority road infrastructure is significant for residents and commuters.
“We are pleased that the Australian Government has committed to funding three critical road projects that Council has long been advocating to ease congestion, keep our growing traffic moving and create local jobs,” Ms Duff said.
Narre Warren North Road is set to receive $31 million for duplication works between Fox Road and Belgrave Hallam Road. This federal funding will be combined with the State Government’s $38.5 million contribution.
“This upgrade will enhance the critical link from Cranbourne through to Narre Warren, making travel more efficient between these busy suburbs,” Ms Duff added.
Hall Road in Cranbourne West will receive $84.5m from the Australian Government as part of a $169m project to duplicate a 5.2km stretch from McCormicks Road to Cranbourne-Frankston Road, and upgrade intersections. The balance of project funding has been committed by the State Government.
Western Port Highway will receive $27.2m for intersection upgrades as part of a $54 million program, which is being matched by the State Government.
“Works at Hall Road and Western Port Highway will help alleviate congestion and improve safety and accessibility in one of Melbourne’s fastest growing suburbs in Cranbourne West,” Ms Duff said.
“We hope to see these projects fast tracked, particularly the upgrade of the dangerous Evan Road intersection, to deliver on our community’s calls for enhanced safety and traffic flow.
“We know that as more people call our rapidly growing city home, we see more cars and more traffic on our roads across our City. This injection of funds will help to better connect residents to jobs, services and most importantly their families.”
City of Casey Chief Executive Officer Glenn Patterson added:
“These projects will also be complemented by other key budget initiatives towards our COVID-19 recovery, which is a priority for Council,” Mr Patterson said.
“In particular, the City of Casey is set to benefit from the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure program, which has been extended until the end of 2021.
“More than $1.6m is being allocated to eligible projects in the municipality, which will double the investment into our community through this program in 20-21.
“We have a list of local shovel-ready projects to put forward for this ‘use it or lose it’ program which will start up some much-needed infrastructure and provide a boost to local jobs and economies during or beyond construction.”
