In May 2023 the Australian Government announced a national infrastructure projects review. The Calder Project was not identified as a priority in the review findings.
Since launching the Fix the Calder campaign in April 2021, the State Government announced:
- $50 million for minor upgrades, planning and investigative works
- $50 million from the Federal Government in 2019, but that has since been cancelled.
- the level crossing removal at Calder Park Drive, due for completion in 2025
- a business case to investigate a diamond interchange at Calder Park Drive. This is complete.
These are important and welcome first steps, but there is still a long way to go. Whilst we were very disappointed with the Federal Government’s decision to cancel the $50m promised by the previous government, it is only a fraction of what is required.
We call on the Federal Government to:
- reassess the project and provide adequate funding to make the Calder safe.
We call on the Victorian Government to:
- increase its $50m funding commitment
- release the findings and recommendations of the Calder Park Drive Interchange business case.
We want to keep the pressure on so future budgets get the hundreds of millions needed for essential upgrades.
