The Labour Government’s 2025 pre-election budget includes significant infrastructure investments aimed at improving transport connectivity for regional residents.

Key projects include:

  • Western Freeway Upgrade: A $1.1 billion investment will upgrade the Western Freeway between Melton and Caroline Springs, addressing a longstanding bottleneck for commuters traveling between Ballarat and Melbourne.
  • Brewery Tap Road Intersection: A dedicated $100 million will fund planning and early works to improve the freeway’s intersection with Brewery Tap Road in Warrenheip, enhancing safety and traffic flow.
  • Sunshine Station Transformation: A $2 billion investment will transform Sunshine Station into a regional rail hub, connecting Ballarat’s rail services to the future Melbourne Airport Rail Link.

These infrastructure projects aim to improve safety, reduce congestion, and enhance public transport accessibility for residents in the Ballarat region. The upgrades to the freeway and rail network are expected to streamline travel between Ballarat and Melbourne, benefiting daily commuters and regional businesses alike.

The funding would support plans by the Victorian government under its Big Build Program. Whether the injection of funds will come to be depends on the outcome of the election on May 3 which was called by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese this morning. If the opposition wins government, they will introduce a new budget which may or may not include support for these infrastructure projects.

​In his Budget Reply speech last night, Opposition Leader Peter Dutton did not specifically address these Victorian infrastructure projects. Instead, he focused on broader national policies, focussing on energy and fuel prices. Additionally, he announced plans to reduce the public service workforce by 41,000 positions while preserving essential services.

According to Member for Ballarat Catherine King, these investments mark a significant step in addressing transport challenges in the region. “Fixing the Western Freeway between Melton and Caroline Springs has been a priority for our community, and the $1.1 billion investment will ensure this long-awaited project moves forward. The $100 million for Brewery Tap Road will also be a welcome improvement for local road safety. Additionally, upgrades to Sunshine Station will enhance rail services for Ballarat residents.”

The government’s focus on infrastructure aims to support economic growth and regional connectivity, ensuring Ballarat residents benefit from improved transport networks.

This article is based on a media release from the office of Member for Ballarat, Catherine King.