Freight Terminal and Outer Metropolitan Ring Funded
Great news in the Federal Budget last week, with funding allocated for the Western Intermodal Freight Terminal and Outer Metropolitan Ring Road and Rail project.
The two projects were among the key asks in Melton City Council’s budget submission.
The government pledged $740 million for the Western Interstate Freight Terminal in Truganina and $920 million for the Outer Metropolitan Ring Road projects.
The Western Interstate Freight Terminal project will reduce the number of trucks and trains required to transport interstate freight by bringing local warehouse precincts closer to freight terminals. It would create 2,000 direct jobs and 39,000 indirect jobs.
The Outer Metropolitan Ring Road will accommodate a 100 kilometre long high-speed transport link for people and freight in Melbourne’s west.
“We’re pleased with these announcements and thank the Federal Government for listening to what the industry said it needed and what both Melton and Wyndham councils have advocated for,” City of Melton Mayor Cr Goran Kesic said.
“Earlier this year, we put in a budget submission that included asks for the Western Intermodal Freight Precinct and the Outer Metropolitan Ring Road and Rail project.
“These are two key projects that together will help create 39,000 ongoing jobs in the west, unlock commercial investment, and ensure more efficient road and freight movements across the country.
“We look forward to working with both the State and Federal governments for the timely planning and delivery of both projects.
“This continues to deliver on our Investment Attraction Strategy to create local jobs and attract commercial investment. It’s great news for Melbourne’s west.
“As we look toward economic recovery, it’s great to see a further $101.7 million added to the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program. With one of Australia’s fastest growing populations, our infrastructure needs are significant and we hope that that our high-priority projects will benefit from this fund.”
THE COMMITMENTS:
$740 million for the Western Interstate Freight Terminal in Truganina, within the City of Melton
$920 million for the Outer Metropolitan Ring - South Rail connection to the Western Interstate Freight Terminal
$101.7 million for the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program. Based on previous calculations, Melton City Council likely to receive around $1.3 million