Gerald Lynch
Brimbank council’s Fix the Calder campaign isn’t going anywhere, despite axed funding from the federal government.
The council has renewed its campaign to Fix the Calder, calling for urgent action by both state and federal governments to ‘make it safe, get it moving and to do it now.’
In 2021, state and federal government each committed $50 million towards upgrades geared towards improved safety and reduced congestion, however the infrastructure spending review late last year resulted in the federal government backflipping on their commitment.
Brimbank mayor Ranka Rasic said the funding backflip was particularly disappointing as the Calder Freeway is one of Australia’s most dangerous roads. Cr Rasic was also mayor when the campaign was first launched.
“We’re extremely disappointed… this is not good enough,” she said. “Community safety should always be the priority.
“We’re calling again for federal and state governments’ funding commitments to improve the safety and congestion on the Calder Freeway.
“I urge Brimbank residents to support our call Visit fixthecalder.brimbank.vic.gov.au to support the campaign to Fix the Calder.”
Council is campaigning for the federal government to recommit funding to provide desperately needed funding for safety works between the Western Ring Road interchange and Gap Road, Sunbury.
Further, the council is urging the state government to up its original commitment, and is seeking findings of the business case completed in 2022 for the construction of a full diamond interchange at Calder Park Drive to be publicly released. In November, the state government refused to confirm whether its funding would still go ahead after the federal government’s decision.
A flyer is being handed out around the Brimbank area is urging residents to get behind the campaign, and said there are a number of upgrades still needed.
It says the Calder Freeway between the Western Ring Road (M80) and the Melton Highway needs to be upgraded to freeway standard.
The flyer also advocated for added lanes from Keilor Park Drive to Melton Highway, and to widen the Maribyrnong River Bridge.
The council also wants a full diamond interchange at the intersection of the Calder Freeway and Calder Park Drive, and duplicated lanes on Calder Park Drive between the Calder Freeway and the Melton Highway.
The Council has urged all residents to visit fixthecalder.brimbank.vic.gov.au to email federal Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King and state Transport Minister Infrastructure Danny Pearson.
