Melbourne’s north is set to benefit from key election promises released this week by the Federal Government.
The advocacy work of NORTH Link and other key stakeholders in Melbourne’s North and West is paying off, with a major freight and roads announcement ahead of the recent Federal Budget.
Key commitments for Melbourne’s North include:
– 3.1 billion in new commitments to deliver the $3.6 billion Melbourne Intermodal Terminal Package:
– $1.2 billion for the Beveridge Interstate Freight Terminal in Beveridge, taking the total investment to $1.62 billion;
– $280 million for Road Connections, including Camerons Lane Interchange, to the Beveridge InterstSate Freight Terminal;
– $109.5 million for the Mickleham Road Upgrade.
“The Federal Government is seeking to fund both the Beveridge and Truganina Intermodal Freight terminals, which is good news for the region and ticks off a major plank of our North and West Melbourne City Deal proposal”, said NORTH Link Executive Director Chris James.
“I would especially note the advocacy work of key NORTH Link members including Mitchell Shire Council, the City of Whittlesea and Hume City Council, supported in the City Deal and other forums by the Northern Councils Alliance, La Trobe University and NORTH Link.” Mr James said.
The Beveridge Intermodal Freight terminal will see the creation of over 20,000 new jobs. The project, which was first identified in the Northern Horizons – 50 year Infrastructure Strategy for Melbourne’s North report found that job-creating infrastructure investment is essential to assist Melbourne’s North to take full advantage of new economic opportunities, such as the relocation of the Melbourne Wholesale Fruit Vegetable and Flower Market to Epping and the growth of Melbourne Airport.