Let’s Get It Done: Melbourne’s west calls time on delays to critical projects

Councils in Melbourne’s west have today launched a united state election campaign calling on all political parties to deliver long-promised infrastructure and services for Australia’s fastest-growing region.

An open letter has been issued to Victorian party leaders, urging a clear commitment to deliver key projects already committed to for Melbourne’s west.

While Melbourne’s west has welcomed the delivery of significant projects in recent times, including the new Footscray Hospital, Melbourne Metro Tunnel and West Gate Tunnel, growth in the region has been exponential and pressure on infrastructure and services has not eased.

The Let’s Get It Done campaign will focus on securing the delivery of key projects vital to the region’s future, 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 – Road and Rail to support freight and connectivity across Melbourne’s outer suburbs – and to link residential and employment growth areas in the north and west of Melbourne.

• Delivery of the promised Western Highway upgrade between Caroline Springs and Melton and critical arterial road improvements.

• Bus network reform to get people out of cars and take pressure off our struggling road network, with improved connectivity, service levels and access across the west.
  

These projects are essential to keeping pace with rapid population growth and unlocking economic opportunity in the west.

With the 2026 Victorian state election approaching, LeadWest has asked party leaders to clearly outline how they will support delivery of these priority projects for Melbourne’s west.

Read a full copy of LeadWest’s open letter to Victorian party leaders on the LeadWest website.

Attributed to LeadWest Chair, Cr Susan Yengi:

“Across multiple election cycles, governments of all persuasions have recognised the importance of Melbourne’s west. Numerous commitments have been made, but our communities continue to wait for the delivery of key projects – some of which were promised almost a decade ago.

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

“Continued delays to providing critical infrastructure in the face of significant growth are also felt in rising pressure on health and community services, higher rates of disadvantage, homelessness, and unmet mental health needs.

“Melbourne’s west is critical to Victoria’s future. We contribute $57 billion to Victoria’s economy each year. Delivering on long-promised commitments in the west means delivering stronger outcomes for all of Victoria.”

“Melbourne’s west is ready. Let’s get it done.”

ENDS

Contact: Simone Kemp, LeadWest Executive Officer| M 0439 335 712| E: simonek@brimbank.vic.gov.au

LeadWest is the alliance of the Melbourne's five western region Councils of Brimbank, Hobsons Bay, Maribyrnong, Melton and Wyndham. It represents 20% of Greater Melbourne’s population.