Brimbank Council has renewed its campaign to Fix the Calder, calling for urgent action by State and Federal Governments to make it safe, get it moving and to do it now.
After Brimbank campaigned in 2021 for safety upgrades, the State Government matched the Federal Government’s 2019 commitment of $50 million resulting in a total commitment of $100 million towards upgrading the Calder Freeway. This would have improved safety, reduced congestion and provided better access and connections to cater for population and freight growth.
However, the $50 million funding promised by the Federal Government was axed late last year after its infrastructure spending review. This funding backflip is particularly disappointing as the Calder Freeway is one of Australia’s most dangerous roads.
We’re calling on the Federal Government to recommit to provide desperately needed funding for safety works between the Western Ring Road interchange and Gap Road in Sunbury.
We’re also calling on the State Government to increase its $50 million funding commitment, and to publicly release the findings of the business case completed in 2022 for the construction of a full diamond interchange at Calder Park Drive.
The need to Fix the Calder has again been identified as a priority in the latest Brimbank Advocacy Plan (2023-25).
The removal of the level crossing on the Sunbury train line at Calder Park Drive has started as a result of Council’s earlier advocacy to Fix the Calder, but there’s a lot more work needed.
What’s still needed
- Upgrade the Calder Freeway between the Western Ring Road (M80) and the Melton Highway to bring it up to freeway standard:
- Add lanes from Keilor Park Drive to Melton Highway
- Widen the Maribyrnong River Bridge.
- Build a full diamond interchange at the intersection of the Calder Freeway and Calder Park Drive
- Duplicate Calder Park Drive between the Calder Freeway and the Melton Highway.
Visit fixthecalder.brimbank.vic.gov.au to email Federal Minister Catherine King and State Minister Danny Pearson.
Quotes to be attributed to Brimbank Mayor Cr Ranka Rasic
“We’re extremely disappointed that the $50 million funding promised by the Federal Government for safety improvements to one of Australia’s most dangerous roads was axed in late 2023 after its infrastructure spending review. This is not good enough. 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.”