Michaela Meade
Two of the northern suburbs’ missing road links are a step closer, with the federal government announcing funding for a business case for the projects.
Last week’s federal budget included $10 million to help develop a business case for the Outer Metropolitan Ring Road/E6.
The 100-kilometre long Outer Metropolitan Ring Road will help link Werribee, Melton, Tullamarine and the Craigieburn/Mickleham and Epping/Thomastown areas and will connect to the 23-kilometre E6 freeway, which will provide a north-south connection through Whittlesea from the Hume Freeway to the M80 Ring Road.
Whittlesea council welcomed the funding, saying the E6 will “significantly relieve congestion” on the municipality’s road networks and provide an essential connection for residents in the northern growth corridor.
“Council is very pleased to hear that funding has been committed for projects that will improve the lives of people who live, work and study in the City of Whittlesea including the creation of local jobs,” chair administrator Lydia Wilson said.
The funding was also welcomed by economic development advocacy group NORTH LINK.
“These commitments are important as Melbourne’s North’s population and economy continues to grow,” executive director Chris James said.
“The population of Melbourne’s north will increase to 1.5 million by 2031, close to Adelaide.
“We call on the commonwealth and state governments to work together to make this vital project happen.”
The budget also included a further $24.2 million for the Hume Freeway interchange at O’Herns Road, $20 million for carpark upgrades along the Craigieburn and Hurstbridge train lines and $2 billion for an intermodal freight terminal, which will be built at either Beveridge or Truganina.
The Northern Councils Alliance (NCA), which includes the Whittlesea and Hume, wants the terminal to be built in Beveridge, saying it would be a major jobs and investment generator.
The alliance estimates that the terminal would bring 20,000 jobs to the northern region.
