MEMBERS STATEMENT: WERRIBEE ELECTORATE TRANSPORT INFRASTRUCTURE

MR PALLAS (Werribee—Treasurer, Minister for Economic Development, Minister for Industrial Relations) (09:38): I was recently joined by the Acting Premier and the Minister for Transport Infrastructure at the new Tarneit Road bridge in Werribee. This outstanding new bridge removes the dangerous and congested Cherry Street level crossing by providing motorists with a new route to travel around the Werribee CBD. A new pedestrian and cycling underpass is currently under construction, and I thank the Werribee community for their continued patience as essential roadworks progress to get the job done. The Andrews Labor government is committed to removing 75 level crossings before 2025. Works are progressing rapidly, and the Cherry Street crossing, being the 46th level crossing on this list, is now gone. It was removed almost a year ahead of schedule and just weeks after the removal of the Werribee Street level crossing down the track, and with works well underway at Old Geelong Road, Hoppers Crossing, Werribee CBD will soon be level crossing free.

But rail is not the only transport upgrade in Werribee, with the western roads upgrade now complete. The $1.8 billion investment provided for the upgrade of eight key arterial roads, including the Duncans Road interchange in Werribee, and it guarantees the ongoing maintenance of 260 kilometres of road from Footscray to Werribee. With these important investments in our level crossings and roads, the Andrews Labor government continues to deliver for Werribee and Melbourne’s west, easing congestion on our roads and providing safer, easier and more reliable travel.