LeadWest Calls for Major Investment in Melbourne’s West Ahead of 2026 State Election

Media Release - 5 March 2026

The LeadWest advocacy alliance has this week launched an ambitious package of priority projects, calling on all political parties to commit to investing in a more liveable, connected and sustainable Melbourne’s West.

Speaking at a special launch event at Parliament House, Chair of LeadWest, Cr Susan Yengi of Maribyrnong City Council, said the region’s rapid growth presents both a challenge and a generational opportunity.

“Melbourne’s west is one of Australia’s fastest-growing regions. By 2046, our population will reach 1.6 million - equivalent to the size of Adelaide - and the Victorian Government has set a target of 385,500 new homes in the west by 2051,” Cr Yengi said.

“That growth brings extraordinary opportunity - but only if it is matched with the infrastructure, services and investment our communities need.”

LeadWest represents the councils of Brimbank, Hobsons Bay, Maribyrnong, Melton and Wyndham, together home to more than one million people, or around 20 per cent of Greater Melbourne’s population.

Cr Yengi said the alliance is seeking commitments from all sides of politics to address immediate service gaps while unlocking long-term economic productivity.

"Government investment in infrastructure and services needs to keep up with the scale and speed of growth across the west," she said.

LeadWest’s 2026 State Election Priorities

LeadWest is seeking Victorian Government funding and support for 11 priority initiatives:

• Addressing homelessness through equitable funding and coordinated service delivery.

• Investment in mental health services, including specialist and outreach supports.

• Delivery of the Western Rail Plan.

• Delivery of Melbourne Airport Rail and the Sunshine Precinct Station Masterplan.

• Land acquisition and a detailed business case for the Outer Metropolitan Ring — road and rail.

• Delivery of the Outer Western Roads Package, including upgrades to Hopkins Road, the Palmers Road Corridor and Taylors Road.

• Bus network reform to deliver an expanded, frequent and accessible network.

• Support for Creative West.

• Support for the Wetlands Centre in Altona Meadows.

• Investment in urban greening to create a Cooler, Greener West.

• Prioritisation of the Western Intermodal Freight Terminal.

  
  

“These priorities are practical, evidence-based and designed to deliver statewide benefit, improving connectivity, productivity, liveability and sustainability,” Cr Yengi said.

“We look forward to working constructively with all parties in the lead-up to the state election to secure the investment Melbourne’s West needs.”

View a full copy of LeadWest's 2026 State Election Advocacy Priorities.