The State Government has announced millions of dollars for new infrastructure projects in Pakenham, including more than $22 million to expand the local bus network.
Pakenham will benefit from more than $45 million worth of projects funded through the Growth Areas Infrastructure Contribution (GAIC) fund.
Projects in Pakenham include:
• $22.6 million for new and extended bus services in Cardinia.
• $8.4 million to improve pedestrian access to the Pakenham Community Hospital.
• $6 million to improve traffic at the McGregor Road corridor.
• $4.3 million to extend John Street near the Pakenham Community Hospital.
• $2.8 million to upgrade the intersection of Princes Highway and Arena Parade.
• $1.3 million for road and other upgrades for the Victorian State Emergency Service in Cardinia Shire.
The funding for bus service will go to creating new services throughout Officer by expanding routes 925 and 928 which each currently travel through the suburbs of Pakenham north and south of the rail line.
McGregor Road will be duplicated at the rail line after the level crossing is removed, while the intersection with Henty Street.
$12.7 million in total will be utilised to accommodate the Pakenham Community Hospital once complete with a ‘reconfiguration’ of Drake Place and an extension of John Street to provide vehicle and pedestrian access.
VICSES Officer Station is set to open soon, the funding toward the SES will go road and drainage works at the new facility.
Pakenham MP Emma Vulin was proud to see the funding for the growing community, particularly for the local bus network.
“This funding is welcomed to improve infrastructure and access for our growing community here in the Pakenham district,” Ms Vulin said.
“New and extended bus services in Cardinia is something I have strongly advocated for and am pleased to see $22.6 million invested to ensure these services will be provided for our community.”
This is part of more than $400 million the State Government is investing into 37 infrastructure projects across Cardinia, Casey, Hume, Melton, Mitchell, Whittlesea and Wyndham local government areas through the GAIC fund.
More than $685 million worth of initiatives have already been delivered across Melbourne’s growth areas through the GAIC fund – including ambulance sites, parks, schools and public transport.
The GAIC fund is a one-off contribution payable by landowners developing land that has been zoned for urban use and development in the Cardinia, Casey, Hume, Melton, Mitchell, Whittlesea and Wyndham local government areas.
The fund supports the State Government’s landmark Housing Statement by delivering key transport, health, community and education infrastructure to ensure communities in growing suburbs have access to the services they need, close to where they live, authorities said.
For more information on the GAIC fund, visit planning.vic.gov.au/guides-and-resources/legislation-regulation-and-fees/growth-areas-infrastructure-contributions
