By Oliver Lees
Calls for funding to upgrade the Calder Freeway have been answered, following the announcement of $50 million toward the road in this year’s state budget.
The funding will progress planning of targeted upgrades, including improvements to safety and capacity at Calder Park Interchange, and between Gap Road in Sunbury and the M80 Ring Road.
Hume council mayor Joseph Haweil previously said the freeway upgrade was needed to meet growing demands, as an additional 20,000 houses are set to be built in Sunbury and Diggers Rest.
“Hume City Council supports the widening of the Calder Freeway,” Cr Haweil said. “Volumes along Sunbury Road are currently exceeding capacity causing congestion, delay and unpredictable travel times.
Calder Action Group president Russell Mowatt said the funding was much-needed and long-awaited.
“We started this in 2012 and it’s good to finally get some funding,” he said.
“On behalf of the Calder action group, we’re ecstatic with the investment by the state and federal governments.
“This is long overdue and we’re looking forward to the outcomes on the ground.”
The state budget also included $13 million for the modernisation of Gisborne Secondary College, which, after a $270,000 spend in 2021-22, will be completed in 2025.
The works will allow refurbishment of block B of the school’s campus as well as new basketball and netball facilities.
The budget also included a $10 million pledge to upgrade Goonawarra Primary School.
Health was another focus, with Sunbury selected as one of 10 suburbs to receive a slice of $556 million toward a new community hospital.
Sunbury and Cobaw Community Health (SCCH) will expand its facilities at a cost of $3 million.
SCCH chief executive officer Phillip Ripper said the money will go a long way for the organisation.
“This significant injection into local services will help us respond to the recommendations of the royal commissions into both mental health and family violence.”
The budget included a total investment of $3.8 billion toward decade-long mental health reform.
