Federal Budget confirms road and rail upgrades for City of Melton

Published on 27 March 2025

Melton City Council welcomes confirmation in the Federal Budget 2025-26 for upgrades to the Western Highway and the Melton rail line.

The Federal Government confirmed previous announcements of $1 billion to upgrade the Western Highway, between Melton and Caroline Springs, as well as $325 million for the Melton rail line upgrade, noting the State Government has also contributed $325 million, which will increase capacity on the Melton line by 50 per cent.

The $2 billion upgrade to Sunshine Station was also confirmed, a crucial project in delivering the Melbourne Airport rail link and preparing for the future electrification of the Melton rail line.

With the commitments to the Western Highway and the Melton rail line upgrades confirmed, Council is seeking further details on these projects including scope and delivery timeframes.

Council is now turning its focus to attracting further investment in major road and rail upgrades which are urgently needed to support the fast-growing community.

Key priorities for Council are a firm commitment to the electrification of the Melton rail line and new train stations in Mt Atkinson and Thornhill Park, as well as upgrades to the Melton Highway, Hopkins Road, and the Palmers Road Corridor.

Quotes attributable to City of Melton Mayor Cr Steve Abboushi:

“We thank the Federal Government for their significant commitments to the City of Melton, including the Western Highway and the Melton rail line upgrades.”

“We would like to see continued investment in infrastructure, in particular roads and rail, from both the Federal and State Governments, to align with the rapid housing growth we are seeing in the City of Melton.”