The Albanese Labor Government is working with the Victorian Government to bust Melbourne's congestion and ensure Victoria's roads are safer and get people where they need to be faster.
In next week's Budget we will invest a further $3.25 billion to North East Link in the 2024-25 Budget, taking the total Australian Government funding to $5 billion.
Once completed, the North East Link will get 15,000 trucks off local roads each day and reduce travel times by up to 35 minutes.
These new investments are towards the non-tolled components of the project, including the M80 Ring Road Upgrades and North East Link Connections and Eastern Freeway Upgrades packages of work.
They will create new lanes, implement smart technology and provide a seamless connection to the North East Link tunnels.
This announcement builds on what we are already delivering in Victoria, including over $1.2 billion for the Western Highway and the Princes Highway corridors, and more than $2.2 billion for the Regional Rail Revival program to upgrade every regional passenger line in Victoria.
Where the previous Morrison Liberal Government had a deluge of press releases with a drought of delivery, the Albanese Labor Government is ensuring that projects can be completed and benefits flow to communities.
We are getting on with building a better future for all Australians.
We will have more to say about transport infrastructure spending in Victoria at Budget time.
Quotes attributable to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese
"Being stuck in traffic doesn't just waste precious time you could be spending with the kids, friends or just getting on with life. It's bad for productivity too.
"We're investing $3.25 billion making sure Melbourne's fast growing north east has the infrastructure they need and fixing the missing link in Melbourne's freeway network.
"It'll save commuters more than half an hour on the roads, and get 15,000 trucks off suburban roads each day - which means safer roads, getting you where you want to be faster and easier."
Quotes attributable to Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King
"We are working for all Australians to deliver significant infrastructure that connects communities, stimulates jobs and builds the future of our nation.
"The hard work we undertook to clean up the mess in the infrastructure pipeline means there is room to deal with ongoing cost pressures and plan for future projects.
"I thank the Victorian Government for working closely with us to ensure the delivery of this project."
Quotes attributable to Premier of Victoria Jacinta Allan
"Following ten years of neglect under the Liberals and Nationals, it is great to have a partner in Canberra that can help deliver the projects important to Victorians.
"This project has been talked about for 60 years - we're getting on and building the much-needed missing link because families in our growing state need it and jobs depend on it."
Quote attributable to Victorian Minister for Transport Infrastructure Danny Pearson
"We're getting on and delivering this important project that will slash travel times and help to keep Victorians moving."
