By Laura Michell
A full diamond interchange will be built at Calder Park Drive regardless of which party wins the May 3 federal election.
On Monday, April 21, the federal opposition pledged $300 million for the project. The funding pledge matches a $300 million commitment made by the federal and state governments on March 31.
As reported by Star Weekly, $50 million was allocated to the Calder Freeway by the previous Liberal government in 2019, with the state government also committing $50 million.
But the funding was axed by the now-federal government in November 2023, following an infrastructure spending review.
At the time, Infrastructure Minister Catherine King said the project was not realistically going to be delivered with the available funding, had made little to no progress over a significant amount of time, and did not align with national priorities.
The decision was followed by the state government revealing it would indefinitely pause funding for the freeway upgrades.
Liberal candidate for Gorton John Fletcher said he had been contacted by residents and road safety advocates about the need to urgently restore funding to the freeway.
Liberal candidate for Hawke Simmone Cottom took aim at Labor for axing the funding during a visit to Hillside on April 21, alongside opposition leader Peter Dutton and Mr Fletcher.
“This overpass could be finished and open right now if Labor had delivered it when originally budgeted,” she said,
“John Fletcher and I have listened to our local communities’ needs, and it’s time for change.”
Calder Action Group president Russell Mowatt said the Liberal party’s pledge meant a “massive weight has been lifted off our group’s shoulders”.
“We can finally breathe a sigh of relief and the cloud of uncertainty has parted and the sun is shining,” he said.
“A heartfelt thank you to both sides of politics with their future funding commitment to the Calder Freeway.”
Melton council said Calder Park Drive is a key access point for residents living in Hillside, Taylors Hill, Fraser Rise and Caroline Springs, areas which have seen significant growth over the past decade.
Congestion from people wanting to exit the freeway at Calder Park Drive during the evening peak can often result in traffic banking back onto the freeway, making it extremely dangerous and increasing the chance of accidents.
“This is something we have been advocating strongly for with Brimbank City Council and it’s fantastic to see this vital project will be realised, providing safer access for our residents on and off the Calder Freeway,” mayor Steve Abboushi said.
