Wyndham council has called for local rail and road projects to be included on the National Infrastructure Priority List for next year.
The Infrastructure Australia list helps governments make decisions on infrastructure investments which will underpin Australia’s continued prosperity.
In its recent submission to Infrastructure Australia, Wyndham council wrote that projects such as Wyndham Westlink, the fast rail to Geelong and upgrades to the Wyndham Vale line were key items requiring federal and state government support.
Mayor Josh Gilligan said securing a place on the National Infrstructure Priority List would assist council’s advocacy for each of the projects.
The federal Opposition last year said it would commit $50 million to help combat traffic congestion in the outer west, including the construction of a continuous link – named Wyndham Westlink – from Tarneit, Wyndham Vale, Manor Lakes, and Werribee to the Princes Freeway.
“As our population grows, so does traffic congestion, and building westlink is vital to relieving this congestion,” Cr Gilligan said.
“A key piece of infrastructure needed for the westlink project is the Ison Road bridge, which will provide a game-changing link from the west of Wyndham across the Geelong railway line to the Princes Freeway.
“But we need more than new roads to improve transport in and out of Wyndham – that’s why we also need investment in the Western Rail Plan, which includes the electrification of the Wyndham Vale line.
“This project will provide urgently needed capacity for additional trains to Wyndham Vale and Tarneit, improving the commuting experience for Wyndham residents.”
Cr Gilligan said the council was “grateful” to the state government for supporting some of its priority projects in the past.
“In recent years, we have been calling for more parking for commuters at train stations to ease congestion on our roads,” he said.
“The state government has agreed to build up to 1600 new and upgraded car parks at Wyndham Vale, Werribee, and Tarneit train stations as part of its $150 million Carparks for Commuters Fund.”
Details: www.wyndham.vic.gov.au/advocacy
