The City of Whittlesea has welcomed yesterday's Federal Government budget announcement of $1.2 billion infrastructure investment for the Beveridge Intermodal Freight Terminal (BIFT), as well as the additional $280 million in funding for upgrading and building essential supporting infrastructure. Today's announcement together with the $400 million previously announced by the Federal Government, brings the total planned investment in the precinct to $1.88 billion.
Chair Administrator Lydia Wilson said the transformational infrastructure project would not only improve road access and traffic congestion in the City of Whittlesea but was anticipated to be a major boost for employment, bringing 20,000 jobs to the region from both construction and ongoing operations.
"Securing government funding for this project was one of Council's major priorities in partnership with Mitchell Shire Council as part of our commitment to deliver a Strong Local Economy so we certainly welcome this announcement today," she said.
"We know this project will not only increase local employment opportunities but also encourage additional investment in our rapidly growing northern region."
The BIFT is anticipated to inject $3.5 billion annually into Melbourne's North and will be a vital infrastructure project of both State and National significance.
Today's Federal Government announcement will assist in unlocking further economic growth and job opportunities in a region which is projected to contribute $80 billion to the national economy.
