As the May 3 federal election draws closer, Wyndham council has put funding for new ring roads, sporting facilities and performing arts facilities at the top of its federal election wish list.
Mayor Mia Shaw said council wanted candidates to commit $20 million to fund a business case for the proposed Outer Metropolitan Ring Road.
The 100-kilometre link would begin west of Werribee and connect to the Hume Freeway at Kalkallo, would connect Wyndham with “key” employment precincts such as Melbourne Airport, Avalon Airport, the Port of Geelong, she said.
According to Cr Shaw, $30 million towards a ‘Tarneit Performing Arts Centre’ would fill an existing gap in performing arts facilities in Wyndham.
“Creative infrastructure is needed to service the area’s diverse and growing community–this facility will strengthen the community and enable cultural activities and events to be held locally,” she said.
While $30 million towards the Tarneit Indoor Sports Centre is needed to keep up athletic demands, according to council.
“This is critical to meet the growing demand for high-quality sporting facilities in Wyndham’s rapidly expanding northwest,” Cr Shaw said.
Council is also doubling down on its call for a federal government to pay $40 million for the planned Riverdale Aquatic and Recreation Centre in Tarneit.
Cr Shaw said AquaPulse in Hoppers Crossing, Wyndham’s only indoor swimming pool, could not cope with the current trajectory of population growth.
“Council has determined that to meet community expectations and demand over the next decade we will need to build another aquatic centre to complement AquaPulse at an estimated cost is $120m,” she said.
“Aquatic centres feature high renewal costs given their complex air handling and pool plant systems, and our regional facility AquaPulse will require a major renewal project as it is.”
Without stating an exact figure, she said a contribution to help with the planned Truganina railway station could relieve traffic in the area and pressure on neighbouring Tarneit Station.
“The construction of a new station in Truganina will ease the pressure on Tarneit railway station and surrounding roads by improving accessibility for residents living in the new estates north of the Regional Rail Link,” Cr Shaw said.
