By Laura Michell
The duplication of Mickleham Road is a step closer after the state government allocated $14.851 million in the 2021-22 budget for early works on the project.
The funding pledge is a win for Hume council and Greenvale residents who have been calling for the road to be duplicated for a number of years.
Yuorke MP Ros Spence said the funding would progress plans to upgrade Mickleham Road between Somerton Road and Dellamore Boulevard.
Hume mayor Joseph Haweil said the council welcomed the funding and hoped more cash would follow for the project.
“Significant investment in Mickleham Road is needed to ease congestion for motorists and we hope that this is the first step towards the duplication of an important key arterial in Melbourne’s north,” he said.
The budget also includes funding to begin planning for upgrades to Somerton Road and Craigieburn Road East.
There is also $556 million for the construction of 10 previously announced community hospitals, including at Craigieburn and Mernda, while $100 million has been set aside for the previously announced paediatric zones at five hospitals, including Northern Hospital.
Other projects included in the budget include the refurbishment of Broadmeadows Fire Station ($6 million), a further $7.4 million for the the Kangan Education First Youth Foyer in Broadmeadows, $870,000 to refurbish Doreen CFA and $100,000 to begin work on the new Craigieburn fire station, which announced by the government in 2018.
“Our volunteer firefighters do an incredible job keeping us safe, and they deserve great facilities. I’m excited that we will be able to deliver a refurbished Doreen CFA station, including a turnout room and
breathing apparatus cleaning facilities,” Yan Yean MP Danielle Green said.
