An Open Letter to Victorian Political Party Leaders

Let’s Get It Done for Melbourne’s west

Melbourne’s west is Australia’s fastest-growing region - home to some of Victoria’s most diverse and hard-working communities, and a powerhouse economy spanning manufacturing, construction, logistics, retail, food production, health, and education.

The west is a critical driver of Victoria’s future prosperity, and it is time our infrastructure and services catch up with the people who keep Victoria moving.

Our region contributes $57 billion annually to the Victorian economy, and by 2046 our population is expected to reach 1.6 million – on par with Adelaide, and larger than CBD populations of cities such as Milan and Birmingham.

This growth has been supported by significant government investment, including the new Footscray Hospital, the Metro Tunnel, the West Gate Tunnel, level crossing removals, and the future Melton Hospital. These investments have been welcomed by our communities.

But growth in the west has been exponential, and the pressure has not eased.

Across multiple election cycles, governments of all persuasions have recognised the importance of Melbourne’s west. Commitments have been made. Funding announced. Business cases developed. Plans progressed.

Yet too many critical projects remain undelivered - and our communities are still waiting.

As we head towards the November state election, now is the time to take stock - not of promises made, but of projects still undelivered.

On behalf of LeadWest’s five member councils, we call on all Victorian political party leaders to commit to one clear action: deliver the projects Melbourne’s west has already been promised.

This is not a call for new commitments. It’s a call for follow-through.

To keep pace with growth and unlock the full potential of Melbourne’s west, our communities need investment in critical infrastructure and services, including:

• Full delivery of the Western Rail Plan, including electrification of the Melton and Wyndham Vale lines and new train stations at Mt Atkinson and Thornhill Park.

• Fast-tracked delivery of Melbourne Airport Rail and the Sunshine Precinct Masterplan.

• Certainty and progress on the Outer Metropolitan Ring, to support freight movement and improve connectivity across Melbourne’s outer suburbs – linking growing residential and employment areas in the north and west.

• Delivery of the promised Western Highway upgrade between Caroline Springs and Melton, along with improvements to critical arterial roads.

• Bus network reform to reduce car dependency and relieve pressure on the road network, with improved connectivity, service levels, and access across the west.
  

These are not new ideas. They are long-standing commitments - widely supported, well understood, and essential to keeping pace with growth in Melbourne’s west.

Across our region, the impacts of delay are felt every day - in congested roads, long commutes, overcrowded car parks and limited public transport options.

Delays in delivering critical infrastructure in the face of rapid growth is also placing increasing pressure on health and community services – contributing to higher rates of disadvantage, homelessness, and unmet mental health needs.

Over the next 20 years, Melbourne's west will deliver 375,000 new homes – supporting growth, diversity and affordability. Our communities need infrastructure that keeps pace with that growth, and governments that deliver on commitments already made.

Delivering for Melbourne’s west will:

• Improve productivity and economic growth

• Support housing supply and affordability

• Strengthen access to jobs, education and services

• Contribute to a more balanced and resilient Victoria.
  

LeadWest is committed to working constructively with all levels of government, and with all parties, to achieve these outcomes. We recognise the complexity of delivering major infrastructure and services, and we acknowledge the investments made to date.

But our communities need to see progress.

As we approach the 2026 State Election, we ask all party leaders to clearly state how your party will deliver existing commitments and priority projects in Melbourne’s west.

Melbourne’s west is ready.

Plans are in place. Commitments have been made.

Now is the time to deliver – and deliver without delay

Let’s get it done.

Sincerely,

Cr Susan Yengi Chair, LeadWest

Maribyrnong City Councillor

On behalf of the five councils of Melbourne’s west