Melton City Council has welcomed funding in the 2026/27 Federal Budget for key transport and local infrastructure projects, while calling for further investment to ensure infrastructure and services keep pace with rapid housing growth.
The City of Melton is Australia's fastest-growing local government area, expected to deliver around 109,000 new homes over the next two decades as part of the Victorian Government's housing targets. This growth requires substantial and coordinated investment by both levels of government in public transport, roads, and community facilities such as sporting and open space precincts, libraries and aquatic centres.
Confirmation of the $152.7 million joint investment by the Australian and Victorian Governments to progress design and preparation works for the electrification of the Melton rail line is a positive step. However, planning alone will not meet the immediate transport needs of a rapidly expanding population. Council is seeking a fully funded commitment for its delivery by 2030, in line with Infrastructure Victoria's recommendation.
The $50 million for upgrades to the Western Freeway, as part of the previously announced $1 billion commitment, was also welcomed, however Council is still seeking confirmation of the scope and timing of works from the Victorian Government to ensure they address current congestion and future demand.
The $2 billion Local Infrastructure Fund to support essential enabling infrastructure such as water, sewer and electricity connections, which are essential to unlocking new housing supply is positive news, as well as $750 million for future rounds of the Growing Regions and Thriving Suburbs programs across 537 councils nationally.
Whilst this is welcomed, the City of Melton needs to deliver 20 new community centres, 10 active open space precincts, new and upgraded pools and three new libraries over the next 10 years, to service the growing community. Council is calling for more direct funding opportunities to help deliver this essential community infrastructure.
The City of Melton is projected to remain one of Australia's fastest-growing areas for many years, so sustained and increased infrastructure investment will be critical to meeting housing targets and creating a liveable and connected City.
Quotes attributable to City of Melton Mayor Cr Lara Carli:
"Council appreciates the Australian Government's continued investment in the City of Melton, including in transport and roads, but the reality is that our infrastructure is not keeping pace with the scale and speed of growth we're experiencing."
"We are delivering a significant share of Victoria's housing targets, yet investment in rail services, bus connections, roads and community facilities is not keeping up with growth."
"We need to see continued investment to service the projected housing and population growth from both levels of government to deliver the transport and community infrastructure that makes that growth sustainable."
"Council will continue working with both the Australian and Victorian Governments for timely, funded delivery of the infrastructure our growing community needs and deserves."
