Georgia Tacey
Sunbury and the Macedon Ranges have largely been left out of the Tuesday’s state budget.
Treasurer Jaclyn Symes’ first budget contained very little for Macedon Ranges and Sunbury, with the highlight the return of funding to upgrade the Calder Freeway.
In a win for motorists, the budget included funding for a new interchange between the Calder Freeway and Calder Park Drive, which is part of $1.2 billion announced for 19 projects in partnership with the federal government to upgrade roads across growing suburbs in Victoria.
The funding comes 12 months after the state government paused the project and a promised $300 million from the federal government.
Calder Action Group president Russell Mowatt said he welcomed the investment.
“We particularly appreciate the promised $300M joint federal and state funding for the Calder Park Drive-Calder Freeway Interchange, a project that aligns with our organisation’s goals to improve local infrastructure and support community development,” he said.
Travellers across the Macedon Ranges will benefit from Bendigo line V/Line services getting more six-carriage trains on weekend services, while the Woodend FlexiRide bus service will continue, with $635,000 in funding received.
Funding will also be delivered to continue the Ballarat to Bendigo V/Line coach, included in the $163 million investment into the bus network.
Travellers between Sunbury and Diggers Rest can expect slight changes along bus routes 475 and 483, which will be rerouted into Diggers Rest Station following the level crossing removals at the Old Calder Highway and Watsons Road.
In Riddells Creek, the Scout Treetops Camp will receive an investment of $80,000 to deliver three shelters.
“For our region to thrive, our families need to thrive,” Macedon MP Mary-Anne Thomas said. “This budget invests in real help with the cost of living – while strengthening the local services that matter most to our community.
Macedon Ranges council had been seeking funding to improve the general condition of many of the roads across the shire, as well as investment in innovative housing solutions to house vulnerable groups and essential workers.
No funding was announced on Tuesday for Sunbury despite Hume council advocating for support for four local projects. Extra trains for the Sunbury line were announced as part of a pre-budget announcement.
These were sports lighting at John McMahon Recreation Reserve for oval two; Saleyard Lane streetscape upgrade in the Sunbury town centre; upgrade of the playground, lighting and security at Sunbury Neighbourhood House; and Vista Park play and open space upgrade.
