Wednesday, 28 May 2025

Western Freeway upgrade

Luba GRIGOROVITCH (Kororoit) (17:05): (1173) My adjournment matter is for the Minister for Transport Infrastructure. The action I seek is for the minister to provide an update on the completed business case and delivery of the Western Freeway upgrade between both Melton and Caroline Springs. The Western Freeway is a critical transport link for my constituents and for the broader western region of Melbourne. It connects our growing outer suburbs to key employment, education and of course health precincts and serves as a vital freight route. However, the current state of the freeway between Melton and Caroline Springs no longer meets the needs of a rapidly expanding population. Residents in suburbs such as Caroline Springs, Aintree, Truganina and beyond are experiencing worsening traffic congestion on a daily basis. I regularly hear from constituents who spend too long in their cars away from their families because of congestion on this stretch of road.

I acknowledge the significant work already undertaken by our government, the Victorian Allan Labor government, in partnership with the Australian government to develop a comprehensive business case for the Western Freeway upgrade. This is an important step in ensuring that any works delivered are well planned, cost effective and tailored to future demand. I also welcome the federal commitment of $1.1 billion towards this project, which demonstrates the recognition of its importance on a national level. The project will have a profound impact on the lives of people in Melbourne’s west. Improving this critical transport link will support safer, more reliable journeys, unlock economic opportunities and of course improve access to jobs and services. Residents in Kororoit are eager to understand what comes next and when these long-awaited improvements will become a reality.