Funding confirmed for City of Melton in Victorian State Budget

Published on 10 May 2024

Melton City Council has welcomed confirmation of funding for several major projects in the 2024/25 Victorian State Budget, together with some new announcements.

This year’s Budget has funding for key infrastructure projects including the new Melton hospital, the new Melton TAFE, removal of seven level crossings and upgrades to the Melton rail line.

Council is pleased these projects remain on the government’s agenda with more than $63 million allocated to begin construction on the Melton Hospital, due for completion in 2028/29.

The Victorian State Budget announcement also included $41 million in next financial year for the $650 million Melton line upgrade.

Also announced were four new schools to be built in the City of Melton to open in 2026, money for two school upgrades and land acquisition for Aintree North Primary School.

Continued funding for the Melton FlexiRide service to provide public transport access to areas in Melton South, Weir Views and Thornhill Park is also welcome.

However, Council is calling for commitments to increase public transport access for the City's rapidly growing community.

Council recently missed out on funding for public transport projects in the State Government’s Growth Area Infrastructure Contribution (GAIC) funding and was hopeful that these projects would be funded through the State Budget.

City of Melton Mayor, Cr Kathy Majdlik said as Australia’s fastest growing local government area, increased investment from State and Federal governments will ensure the City of Melton continues to be a fantastic place to live, work, invest, and visit.

“Melton City Council would like to thank the State Government for its demonstrated commitment to these important projects in our community.

“In recent years, over $2 billion in funding has been committed for projects in the City of Melton, which is a great outcome for our community.

“We also welcome the funding for four new schools and upgrades to two other schools.

“However, strong residential and commercial growth means there is more work to be done. 

"We are disappointed the Growing Suburbs Fund has been further reduced to $5 million from $10 million. Council has been successful in receiving over $47 million in funding through this program to date, which has fast-tracked several critical projects such as community centres and play spaces.

“’That’s why it is even more important that we receive our fair share of Growth Area Infrastructure Contribution (GAIC) funding.

“While we are grateful for the recent $67 million investment in our area through GAIC, however the City of Melton has the highest funding shortfall of any council area, with nearly $142 million of collected funds still unallocated.

“Over 40,000 residents do not have adequate access to regular public transport, and we continue to call for increased funding for our bus network.

“We will continue to advocate for our fair share of funding to deliver critical transport projects such as new bus routes and train stations.”

Key City of Melton projects funded through the 2024/25 Victorian Budget include:

Melton Hospital

• $63 million has been included in the 2024/2025 Victorian Budget to start construction on the new Melton Hospital. The project is scheduled to be completed in the 2028/2029 fiscal year.

Transport

• Funding for upgrades on the Melton line, with $41.2 million set aside in the 2024/25 budget as part of the $650 million project. The project is due to be completed in the 2028/29 fiscal year.
• Commitment to the timeframes for delivery of the seven level crossing removal projects and rebuild of the Melton Station.
• Funding for the Melton FlexiRide service to continue to provide public transport access to areas in Melton South, Weir Views, and Thornhill Park.

Education

• New primary schools including Plumpton, Tarneit Plains and Toolern Waters, due to open in 2026.
• New Cobblebank Secondary College, due to open in 2026.
• $14.3 million to upgrade and expand Strathtulloh Primary School.
• $6.4 million to modernise facilities at Toolern Vale and District Primary School.
• Land acquisition of proposed government school site in Aintree North – $15.1 million (funded through GAIC)
• Ongoing commitments to deliver the new $55 million Melton TAFE in 2028, with $41.8 million dedicated in this year’s budget.