Millions of dollars will go towards funding infrastructure projects in Wyndham, the federal budget has revealed.
The federal government announced that $740 million will be spent on the Western Interstate Freight Terminal (WIFT) in Truganina.
The freight terminal project will improve local, national and international freight movement by bringing warehouse precincts closer to freight terminals, according to the government.
Mayor Peter Maynard said the municipality “welcomed” the budget announcement.
“Wyndham City…have been asking the federal government to commit to the proposed WIFT in Truganina as the location for the new Melbourne Intermodal Rail Freight Terminal for many years,” he said.
“This investment will provide our residents with access to a diversity of jobs close to home. Additionally, the WIFT will accelerate job creation and investment attraction for the outer west.”
The budget also allocated $920 million for the Outer Metropolitan Ring Rail South connection, seeking to create new road and rail transport links for Werribee and surrounding areas in Melton, Tullamarine, Mickleham and Epping.
Cr Maynard said the investment would “transform” Melbourne and create better connections to key transport hubs.
Council was also hoping for good news on funding for the East Werribee National Employment and Innovation Cluster.
Speaking to Star Weekly before the budget was handed down, Cr Maynard said the funding would help ease congestion challenges in Melbourne, boost employment options closer to where people live and generate new industries.
“The East Werribee precinct will create 60,00 jobs and provide us with the opportunity to build a different sort of hub, one with forward looking transport
systems, green construction practices, appropriate housing and a wide range of jobs which are easily accessible,“ Cr Maynard said.
“The federal government needs to invest in Wyndham to support existing community needs, absorb future population growth, and build a more prosperous, productive and sustainable Wyndham,” he said.
For further coverage of the federal budget see next week’s paper or go to wyndham.starweekly.com.au
