By Tara Murray
Several Melton road and transport promises have been made in the lead up to the federal election but much of the council’s ’Let’s Get the City of Melton Moving’ campaign calls have been ignored so far.
The council’s campaign called on all major parties contesting the federal election to commit to further investment in rail and roads as a matter of urgency.
The council’s top priority is the electrification of the Melton rail line, and new train stations at Mt Atkinson, Thornhill Park and Calder Park.
The campaign also pushes for investment in three major roads urgently in need of upgrades. Melton Highway, Hopkins Road, and the Palmers Road corridor (including Robinsons Road, Westwood Drive, and Calder Park Drive) are at the top of the priority list, with residents fed up with unsafe and congested thoroughfares.
Star Weekly asked all the candidates standing for the seats of Hawke and Gorton, which cover the Melton municipality, whether they had or would commit to funding the projects on Melton’s campaign wish list.
Hawke MP Sam Rae and his Labor colleague, Gorton candidate Alicia Jordan-Baird, highlighted promises of $1 billion to fix the Western Freeway between Melton and Caroline Springs, which will include added lanes, upgraded overpasses and interchanges, and $300 million to build the Calder Park Drive interchange, which will decrease congestion on the Calder Freeway.
They said Labor had also increased funding to electrify the Melton line.
All three promises are understood to be budget promises, not election promises.
Mr Rae said Labor was investing in local roads projects such as upgrades to Mt Cottrell Road and Exford Road.
Hawke Liberal candidate Simmone Cottom didn’t respond to the question, but said the Liberal Party would upgrade the Western Freeway.
Gorton Legalise Cannabis Party candidate Xavier Menta said he would continue to pressure government to fully implement the Western Rail Plan and the Western Bus Plan.
“I’ve been a vocal advocate for the urgent improvements needed to our bus services. A better bus network can be rolled out almost immediately.”
Hawke Family First candidate Melanie Milutinovic said she strongly supported Melton council’s call for an urgent investment in local infrastructure. “Electrifying the Melton rail line and building new stations at Mt Atkinson, Thornhill Park, and Calder Park are essential for our growing community. I also back upgrades to Hopkins Road, Melton Highway, and the Palmers Road Corridor. These projects are vital to reduce congestion, improve safety, and support Melton’s future growth,” she said.
Mayor Steve Abboushi said that while the promises made so far were welcomed, more investment was needed for the community.
“Our residents are spending more time travelling than what is needed, meaning less time spent with family and friends. Our growing community needs efficient, frequent public transport to get our them, where they need to be sooner and safer.”
