Media release: Victorian Infrastructure

The Victorian Government’s announcement that it will provide the full funding required to build the Western Distributor project is confirmation of the position the Turnbull Government has taken on this project – because its economics are underpinned by tolls, both on the new components and through an extension of the CityLink toll concession, it is not a project which requires grant funding from the Commonwealth.

Of course the Turnbull Government is strongly committed to Victorian infrastructure, which is why we committed $1.5 billion last Friday to vital infrastructure projects in a formal offer to the Victorian Government.

This includes vital projects such as a one billion dollar upgrade of the Monash Freeway, and a further $700 million towards the full upgrade of the M80 Orbital. We look forward to working cooperatively with the Victorian Government to progress these vital infrastructure projects as quickly as possible.

Premier Andrews says the project warrants Commonwealth investment: the Turnbull Government stands ready to discuss innovative investment proposals with the Victorian Government, such as providing a concessional loan, or taking equity.