An elected Dutton Coalition Government will deliver $300 million to the Calder Freeway by constructing a new interchange at Calder Park Drive, improving access for residents in Fraser Rise, Hillside and Taylors Hill.
This announcement is part of the Coalition’s $1.5 billion package to free up the major road transport arteries that feed Melbourne, to ease congestion and make our roads safer.
This builds on previously-announced commitments including removing congestion choke points on the Hume Highway at Donnybrook and the Western Freeway between Melton and Caroline Springs.
The Leader of the Opposition, the Hon Peter Dutton MP, in a visit to Hillside today, said the Coalition will invest in vital infrastructure across Melbourne’s north and western suburbs – which have been neglected and taken for granted by state and federal Labor governments for too long.
“The Albanese Labor Government ripped $50 million from the Budget which was earmarked to deliver upgrades to this very section of the Calder Freeway. This was funding committed by the former Coalition Government to help reduce congestion and make the Calder Freeway safer and more efficient. Instead, Labor cut the funding so it could contribute $2.2 billion for Anthony Albanese and Jacinta Allan’s pet project – the flawed and botched Suburban Rail Loop.
“Victorians are being let down by bad Labor governments in Canberra and Spring Street. There is a better way,” Mr Dutton said.
Liberal Party Candidate for Gorton, Mr John Fletcher, said “I have heard from local residents and road safety advocates about the need to urgently restore funding to the Calder Freeway after it was cut by the Albanese Labor Government in 2023. I am pleased to stand with our community to see this critical improvement to fix the Calder Freeway delivered on.”
Liberal Candidate for Hawke, Ms Simmone Cottom, said “This overpass could be finished and open right now if Labor had delivered it when originally budgeted. John Fletcher and I have listened to our local communities’ needs, and it’s time for change. Only a Liberal Government will deliver this overdue overpass and get this area’s infrastructure needs back on track.”
Building the quality infrastructure that Victorians need is all part of the Coalition’s plan to get this great state and our great country back on track.