By Jennifer Pittorino
Two of the biggest projects ever undertaken in Maribyrnong and Hobsons Bay will open in 2025 after years of planning and construction.
The 2024-25 state budget, handed down on Tuesday, included the expected completion dates of the $10.2 billion West Gate Tunnel, which will open three years late at the end of next year, as well as the long anticipated Footscray Hospital, expected to open its doors also in 2025 following a final funding boost of $464 million.
The completion of the West Gate Tunnel brings with it a further $10.2 million to enforce a truck curfew on local streets. This funding for new camera technology will help enforce the state government’s legislated 24/7 truck bans on roads in the inner west. The tunnel is projected to remove 9,000 trucks a day off local roads.
A further $25 million has been allocated to deliver critical maintenance works for the West Gate Bridge to improve user safety, maintain serviceability and support freight movement.
Funding has been secured for the Queen Street pedestrian and cycling bridge for which Altona residents have been advocating for years. The new shared user path over Laverton Creek in Queen Street, Altona, will be constructed with a $12 million investment.
The Hobsons Bay Main Yarra Crossing Duplication in Spotswood received $24.2 million. The project’s estimated completion date has been revised to between January and March 2025.
Several local schools received funding for upgrades and rebuilds. Altona Primary School will receive just over $1million of funding still outstanding for a project initially announced in the 2023-24 budget.
Footscray City Primary School will receive $2 million of a total $13.4 million investment, while Footscray West Primary School will receive its remaining $4.5 million.
Wembley Primary School in Yarraville will receive $2.7 million for a project announced in 2021-22. The total estimated investment has increased by $0.336 million to extend scope for additional school requirements, funded by a co-contribution from the school.
Bayside P-12 College in Williamstown will receive $2.5 million. Work at the college is now estimated to be finished between October and December 2024.
The Victorian Asbestos Eradication Agency will receive $19.3 million to ensure the safe removal and disposal of asbestos in government-owned buildings.
Asbestos fragments have been found in more than 10 parks across Melbourne since the start of April including in Hobsons Bay.
Maribyrnong council did not receive any joy when it came to its budget wishlist. Funding for a performing arts theatre, library rebuild and new park in central Footscray, better bus services and air quality improvements were atop Maribyrnong council’s wishlist.
