Council campaign secures Calder pledge

The Federal Government has pledged $300 million to build a long-awaited diamond interchange at Calder Park Drive, a move Brimbank Council says will significantly improve safety and access on the Calder Freeway.

Brimbank Council says the funding pledge follows years of advocacy through the ‘Fix the Calder’ campaign, first launched in 2021, which includes the local government, the Calder Action Group and other community organisations.

“The Federal Government’s promise to invest $300 million into building a new, and safer interchange at Calder Park Drive is welcome news for everyone who uses the Calder Freeway – it is something Brimbank Council has been advocating for,” said Brimbank Mayor Thuy Dang.

As well as Brimbank, the proposed diamond interchange has been a central priority for the Calder Highway Improvement Committee, which includes nine Victorian councils along the Calder corridor.

A business case for the interchange was completed by the Victorian Government in 2022, but the project stalled after a review of national infrastructure projects in 2023, leading Brimbank Council to revive the ‘Fix the Calder’ campaign in 2024.

The Council is now urging the Federal Opposition to match the $300 million commitment, ahead of the federal election in May.

“We now call on the Federal Opposition … to ensure this life-saving work takes place, regardless of the federal election result in May,” Dang said.