Melton Council says government neglect put it ‘on road to ruin’

A western suburbs council claims it has missed out on its share of $4.7bn in roads funding and slammed governments for neglecting its booming suburbs.

Melton City Council on Monday will launch a Fix Our Roads campaign calling on policymakers to urgently ­invest in its booming suburbs. Picture: Kylie Else

A western suburbs council has lashed out at governments for neglecting increasingly congested roads, claiming it has missed out on $4.7bn shared among other areas.

The backlash accompanies speculation the area could swing against Labor at this year’s state election.

Melton City Council on Monday will launch a Fix Our Roads campaign calling on policymakers to urgently ­invest in its booming suburbs.

It says every other outer growth area in Melbourne has received part of the $4.7bn in roads funding through Victoria’s Big Build program.

Melton Mayor Goran Kesic says road safety and congestion are deteriorating rapidly.

The seat of Melton, held by Steve McGhie, swung 7 per cent against Labor at the last state election, and former Burwood MP Graham Watt is running in the electorate as the Liberal Party views it as a ­potential gain.

Melton Mayor Goran Kesic said road safety and congestion were deteriorating rapidly.

“Years of under-investment has led to aged, rural-standard, congested and unsafe roads,” he said. “This is a huge risk and burden to our residents, with more than 73 per cent of workers commuting outside the area for work.

“It’s only going to get worse as Melton city’s population ­escalates towards half a million people in the next 30 years.

“High volumes of traffic use roads that desperately need more lanes, better intersections and major safety ­upgrades.

“We need the state and federal governments to fund ­essential road upgrades to ­ensure our residents can get to and from work safer, and spend more time with family.”

The council wants funding for six major projects, including upgrades to the Western Highway and Melton Highway, and construction of the Calder Park interchange.

Others in need of duplication are Christies Rd, Hopkins Rd and the corridor along Robinsons Rd, Westwood Drive and Calder Park Drive.

Mr Kersic said federal funding had been provided for the outer metropolitan ring road and a western freight terminal. But the benefits would only be realised with proper funding for roads between them.

A state government spokeswoman pointed to their investment in local roads, including three key intersections in Plumpton and Melton.

“Melton is one of Australia’s fastest growing outer urban areas, and we are investing in road and rail projects to ensure the transport network meets the needs of the growing community,” she said.

The government is also removing two level crossings in Deer Park and another on Fitzgerald Rd in Ardeer.