By Charlene Macaulay
A number of road and rail projects that would benefit Wyndham residents have topped a national infrastructure priority list.
Infrastructure Australia last week released its 2019 priority list of works, identifying land acquisition for the Outer Metropolitan Ring Road and E6 corridor – which could include a freeway connecting the outer west and outer north spanning between four and six lanes in each direction, and four rail tracks – as a high priority project that should be implemented within the next five years.
The list, based on submissions from governments, stakeholder groups and communities, is used to recommend infrastructure projects for state and federal government funding consideration in the short, medium and long term.
Other projects to make the $58 billion list include:
•The electrification and duplication of the Melbourne-Geelong line as a priority initiative;
•Completing the M80 Ring Road upgrade, including upgrading the Princes Freeway to Western Highway section; and
•Level crossing removals.
Infrastructure Australia chair Julieanne Alroe said the projects identified in this year’s report aimed to improve living standards and productivity, particularly in Australia’s growth corridors.
“Many of the projects and potential infrastructure solutions identified in their 2019 priority lists respond to the challenges of population growth in our largest cities, and address the need for frequent and accessible public transport to reduce congestion,” Ms Alroe said.
“Congestion in our cities and faster-growing regional centres not only has significant consequences for the Australian economy, but has direct impacts on communities, reducing people’s access to education, health services, employment and other opportunities.”
Wyndham mayor Mia Shaw said the council was happy to see these projects flagged.
“Wyndham city welcomes Infrastructure Australia’s acknowledgment that the projects we have been advocating for on a federal level are of national significance and we believe this will help us make the case for greater investment in our region,” Cr Shaw said.
“The Western Interstate Freight Terminal should also be considered a high priority.”
