Knox shares a problem with many outer suburban areas: the issue of congestion, which impinges on quality of life.
Over my time as the Federal Member for Aston, I have been committed to the construction of many local projects. Some of these projects have been on the drawing board for decades and action is finally happening.
Henderson Road Bridge in Knoxfield/Rowville is open and I’ve had some great feedback on how it’s already helping local residents and businesses. Upgrades are now occuring on the intersection of Henderson Rd/Kellets Rd and will soon start on the intersection of Henderson Rd/Ferntree Gully Rd.
Stage 1 is already finished and Stage 2 is underway. This will add 36 km of new lanes including from Eastlink to Warrigal Rd. We added an extra $184 million to start it more quickly. It will be completed in 2022.
The $50 million to duplicate Napoleon Rd from Glenfern to Kelletts Rd is secured. $3.5m of this funding is already flowing to the state govt to complete detailed planning on this complex project. The Dorset Rd extension and Napoleon Rd duplication will be staged together with Napoleon Rd done first so there is extra capacity. Pre-construction is expected to commence in late-2022.
The $80 million of federal funding is secured. $6.5m of this funding is already flowing to the state govt to complete detailed planning on this complex project. The Dorset Rd extension and Napoleon Rd duplication will be staged together with Napoleon Rd done first so there is extra capacity.
The Lewis Rd intersection upgrades in Wantirna are progressing with planning complete and construction expected to start in January. Construction was originally scheduled for September but the state government has delayed commencement.
The feasibility work has been completed on extra parking at Boronia Station with state government providing advice on the preferred design early next year. It is then expected for construction to begin in mid-2022 and be completed in mid-2023.
Work is also progressing on the Ferntree Gully Station parking project which $16 million is secured for. This project will have the flow-on effect of reducing the number of commuters that travel to other stations like Boronia and Bayswater to park. Planning is also underway on this project with construction expected to commence in late-2022.
Frustratingly, although $475 million has been in the federal budget, the state government have now officially told me that they will not consider heavy rail to Rowville at this time. All their effort currently is going into the suburban rail loop.
Unfortunately, while the federal government can provide the funding, only the state government can build it as they own the rail network. Regardless of this decision, I am committed to finding another solution that can be delivered in years, not decades.
I am already in discussions with the federal urban infrastructure minister, Knox Council, Monash University, the owners of Chadstone Shopping Centre and others who have an interest in getting a connection built.
Additional federal funds have been provided to Knox Council for local roads such as Forest Rd, Dorian Ave and Blackwood Park Rd in FTG, and Wentworth Ave in Rowville.
The federal and state govts have each committed $5 billion to finally build a rail line to the airport. Construction will begin in 2022. Get on the train and go all the way to the airport! Saving time and money.
You know our commitment to this project! We are ready to fund the full government share of the project as soon as a state government is willing to give it the green light.