ARTERIAL road upgrades and improved bus services have topped the state budget wish-lists of Wyndham’s council and MPs.
The council has called on the government to continue the outer arterial road program, citing a need for upgrades to Leakes, Palmers, Forsyth, Heaths, Sayers and Dohertys roads.
No arterial road upgrades in Wyndham were funded in last year’s budget, despite a council study finding that 15 VicRoads-controlled roads were at or over capacity.
The council also hopes Tuesday’s budget will include funding for the western end of the proposed east-west link.
Mayor Heather Marcus said the council believed the project, to provide a second river crossing from the western suburbs, was “the highest priority to future-proof Victoria’s economic future”.
Cr Marcus also called on the government to establish a community infrastructure fund for growth areas. She said that if the fund was created, the council would seek $10 million each for the redevelopment of the Wyndham Leisure and Events Centre and the Werribee Sports and Fitness Centre.
Altona Labor MP Jill Hennessy said the government must use the budget to address challenges facing the community and called for more frequent and direct bus service routes, and funding for the next stage of construction at Alamanda State College.
Tarneit Labor MP Tim Pallas wants funding for three yet-to-be-completed Wyndham schools.
“We should expect prioritisation of works for existing schools to include funding for stage two building works at new schools, Tarneit Senior College and Tarneit P-9 College.
“Werribee Secondary College is still waiting for stage three of the refurbishment initiated under the previous Labor government.”
Mr Pallas also wants a decision made on the former Glen Devon Primary School site and grade separation at the Werribee Street, Cherry Street and Old Geelong Road level crossings.
—Laura Little
