VIC and NSW Budgets deliver major funding for road and transport projects

In the past week both Victoria and New South Wales have released their 2020-21 Budgets which both include significant funding for transport infrastructure and road projects.

With infrastructure construction hoped to boost the economy many major projects have been prioritised along with smaller works to get people into jobs quickly.

Below, we break down the projects and programs that will see increased or new funding.

New South Wales

In it’s 2020-21 Budget, the NSW Government has committed a record $14 billion in funding for transport infrastructure. This funding will aim to increase public transport services, reduce congestion, create jobs and reduce the impact of COVID-19 on the economy.

The WestConnex motorway has been given $1.3 billion in funding to continue construction and deliver the final stage of the major project, which is due for completion in 2023.

More than $656 million is allocated in the Budget for the construction of the Parramatta Light Rail Stage One.

As for road infrastructure, the Budget included $432 million for the Princes Highway, including the Norwa Bridge upgrade.

Newell Highway works will get a boost with almost $158 million in the Budget for the delivery of additional overtaking lanes, flood mitigation works, pavement upgrades and planning for the Parkes Bypass.

There is also $312 million of accelerated funding for the Fixing Local Roads program and $108 million towards the Fixing Country Bridges program.

An additional $192 million has been put towards the Transport Access Program to upgrade train stations and ferry wharves to make them more accessible.

Over the next four years Sydney Metro will receive almost $28 billion in funding, this project will deliver 31 metro rail stations and 66 kilometres of a new standalone line.

There are also a number of other projects that received significant funding commitments which will roll out over the next four years. Some of these include the upgrade of bus services, Princes Highway works, Pacific Highway works, the Coffs Harbour Bypass, the Sydney Gateway project, planning and pre-construction for the Western Harbour Tunnel and Warringah Freeway Upgrade, the Prospect Highway upgrade, the Memorial Avenue upgrade and investment into walking and cycling infrastructure.

Minister for Transport and Roads Andrew Constance said the 2020-21 NSW Budget would deliver on the Government’s vision of a connected Greater Sydney.

“Throughout Greater Sydney, the NSW Government is delivering quality services, new and innovative connections and important transport projects that will transform the future of mobility,” Constance said.

He said throughout the pandemic critical construction and maintenance work across NSW roads and transport networks has kept more than 130,000 people directly and indirectly employed by Transport for NSW.

“The investment in these projects will continue to deliver jobs and create the transport
network of the future.”

Victoria

One of the largest commitments in the Victorian Budget, towards transport infrastructure is for the tram network.

The government will invest $1.48 billion to build 100 new modern accessible trams and develop a new maintenance facility. These new trams will progressively replace Victoria’s ageing trams. Manufacturing of the trams is expected to create 1900 local jobs.

On top of this the Suburban Rail loop has been allocated $2.2 billion of funding and there is also another $2 billion towards the Geelong Fast Rail project.

A share of $660 million will be put towards the delivery of the Shepparton and Warrnambool Line Upgrades.

Road infrastructure also received a significant boost in the state. The 2020-21 Budget has allocated $225 million towards improvements to the Great Ocean Road and $48 million to strengthen bridges and replace old intelligent transport systems with modern technology.

There will also be $31.4 million to upgrade freight routes that are significant for farmers and processors.

This Budget includes $117 million for road and intersection upgrades across Melbourne and $63.4 million to build pedestrian and cycling infrastructure to and from schools.

In building on its current investments, the Victorian Government will add $411 million to the Building Works stimulus package, to resurface and maintain 1700 kilometres of roads in the state. A further $187.6 million will also be allocated for upgrades and maintenance on the V/Line network.

For smaller scale transport works there is $276.5 million for upgrades on the Dandenong rail corridor and $5.5 million for planning of Caulfield Station works.

Women will also be encouraged into the construction workforce with a $2.4 million investment into scholarship programs and initiatives to support career development.

Minister for Public Transport, Roads and Road Safety Ben Carroll said we’re investing in better roads, new trams and buses, and upgrades to keep our transport system safe as Victoria moves to COVID Normal and more people are moving around the network, while tackling transport emissions.

“Building better roads and public transport is good for drivers and passengers, but it’s also great news for Victorian jobs.”