Tara Murray
The long-awaited duplication of Mickleham Road is one step closer after funding for the project’s planning phase was announced as part of the state budget.
Last week’s budget included more than $9 million for the installation of new traffic lights at the entrance to Aitken College on Mickleham Road and planning for the duplication of Mickleham Road, from Somerton Road to Dellamore Boulevard.
It was one of two main road projects in Hume to receive funding, with $6.5 million allocated to progress planning for the Bulla Bypass.
Hume mayor Joseph Haweil said they were thrilled with the funding for the two roads.
“Two of our key transport priorities – the Bulla Bypass and duplication of Mickleham Road – are now progressing to ensure that once subsequent capital funding is made available, our residents will spend less time on the road and more time with their family and friends,” he said.
The budget also included $20 million for the Suburban Revitalization and Growth Fund, which funds projects in Hume and Frankston.
Schools were the other major beneficiaries in the budget, with three Hume schools and three Whittlesea schools receiving a cash injection.
Lalor Secondary College received $26.2 million to rebuild and revitalise aging buildings, while Mickleham Primary School will be rebuilt on an expanded site after receiving $21 million.
Mill Park Secondary College received $11.6 million to build a new 200-seat performing arts centre for the school.
The Jacana School for Autism received $10 million, while $8.2 million has been allocated to Peter Lalor College and $5.864 million to Meadows Primary School.
The budget also included funding to acquire land for the new Merrifield West Secondary College in Mickleham.
Funding has been provided to acquire land and continue capital planning and design for a community hospital in the City of Whittlesea, with work set to begin in 2022.
Northern Hospital will receive a new standalone mental health facility delivering 30 additional beds, as part of the government’s $868.6 million spend on mental health services.
There will also be funding to accelerate the delivery of a new bus service connecting Mernda and Craigieburn, while the Plenty Gorge public space will be upgraded as part of a $52 million spend on maintaining and upgrading visitor facilities across Victoria.
