Victoria continues to benefit from the Liberal and Nationals Government's record infrastructure investment, with funding for major new projects to be announced in this week's 2021-22 Budget, securing Australia's recovery.
Key projects to be funded include:
- $2 billion for initial investment in a new Melbourne Intermodal Terminal;
- An additional $307 million for the Pakenham Roads Upgrade;
- An additional $203.4 million for the Monash Roads Upgrade;
- An additional $20 million for the Green Triangle and $15 million for the Melbourne to Mildura Roads of Strategic Importance corridors;
- An additional $56.8 million for the Hall Road Upgrade;
- An additional $30.4 million for the Western Port Highway Upgrade;
- $17.5 million for the Dairy Supply Chain Road Upgrades; and
- $10 million for the Mallacoota-Genoa Road Upgrade.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison said these projects will make Victorian roads safer, reduce travel times and support thousands of jobs across the state.
"From building the intermodal Melbourne needs for a better future for freight and productivity, to improving the key road connections in the outer suburbs and regional areas - these projects will support more than 3,000 direct and indirect jobs across Victoria," Prime Minister Morrison said.
"Our record funding commitment is creating jobs, boosting business investment, while securing Australia's COVID recovery."
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said the substantial injection of funding delivered in this year's Budget is a key plank of the Government's plan to help Australia bounce back stronger than ever from the COVID-19 pandemic.
"Our $2 billion investment in a new Melbourne Intermodal Terminal will transform the way freight moves, not just in Victoria but right across the country," the Deputy Prime Minister said.
"The new Intermodal Terminal in Melbourne will create around 1,350 jobs during peak construction and a further 550 jobs during peak operation - that's delivery in action.
"This Budget commits funding for various projects under key Roads of Strategic Importance initiatives on the Ballarat to Ouyen, Echuca to Robinvale, Green Triangle, Melbourne to Mildura, Stawell to South Australian border and Toowoomba to Seymour corridors.
"We are supporting Victorian workers and businesses to thrive in the post-pandemic future, backing them to lead the nation's economic recovery."
Treasurer Josh Frydenberg said the Government would make an initial investment of $2 billion to build a new intermodal terminal to meet the country's future freight needs and to link up to the inland rail taking up to 5,500 trucks off Melbourne's roads every day.
"Our record infrastructure investment not only creates jobs now, it also sets Australia up for the future," the Treasurer said.
"An intermodal terminal in Melbourne will help to boost the productivity of the nation by helping businesses get their products to domestic and international markets faster following the completion of inland rail."
Minister for Communications, Urban Infrastructure, Cities and the Arts Paul Fletcher said the Morrison Government will deliver a $510 million funding boost for two major infrastructure projects that will significantly improve congestion along a key commuter artery in south east Melbourne.
"An additional $307 million has been committed to the Pakenham Roads Upgrade project along with an additional $203.4 million allocated to the Monash Roads Upgrade project," Minister Fletcher said.
"These projects will improve traffic flow at two sets of pinch points along the Monash Freeway, which build upon previous commitments and provide for more efficient, integrated delivery."
The Australian Government looks forward to working constructively with the Victorian Government to deliver this infrastructure, supporting jobs and businesses right across Victoria.
