Labor candidate Annette Death has promised almost $20 million for upgrades in Riddells Creek if the party is elected. The plan includes $16 million for modern facilities at Riddells Creek Primary School, which will replace ageing buildings. A further $3 million will fund planning to upgrade the Main Road, Sutherlands Road and Station Street intersection, which Ms Death described as congested and confusing. Another $700,000 would build a new netball court at the Riddells Creek Recreation Reserve.
Residents of Kalkallo, in Melbourne's outer north, are calling for new roads as their population has grown from 105 in 2016 to more than 11,000 in 2026. The only exit from the suburb is onto Donnybrook Road, and residents describe daily traffic jams. The Victorian government says construction of a $153 million interchange on the Hume Freeway will begin by the end of 2026, funded by developer Stockland. The Coalition has promised to duplicate Donnybrook Road. A car bridge is not planned until at least 2037.
The City of Whittlesea is asking residents to back a campaign for a full upgrade of Donnybrook Road. Council says the road is operating well beyond its capacity, causing congestion and delays for commuters. Rapid population growth is adding pressure on the route, which affects access to work, school, public transport and essential services. Council is urging the Victorian Government to commit to the upgrades. Residents can add their voice through the Engage Whittlesea page, where they can contact the Victorian Minister for Roads and Road Safety.
AU Now app
Your suburb’s news, alerts and Shorts — in one app
Alerts, Shorts and your saved stories — free on Google Play.
A coalition of seven western Sydney councils is calling for Outer Western Sydney to be recognised as a distinct region for investment. The Outer Western Sydney Alliance says the area will house 38 per cent of Sydney's future population growth. Alliance chair and Penrith Mayor Todd Carney said infrastructure must keep pace with that growth. Priorities include completing the Outer Western Sydney Metro North-South and strengthening transport links to the Blue Mountains, Central West, Illawarra, Hunter and eastern Sydney. Carney said the area holds over two-thirds of available undeveloped employment land.
Residents of outer western Sydney spend far more on vehicles than inner-city residents, according to the Outer Western Sydney Alliance, which chairs the group of councils. Only 12 per cent of Wollondilly Shire residents have regular public transport within 400 metres of home. Wilton resident Caitlin Webster said she was housebound for six weeks after her caesarean section because she could not drive. Penrith Mayor Todd Carney called for rail and Sydney Metro links, while Transport Minister John Graham pointed to $140 million for business cases and $302 million for five new bus routes.
Melbourne's West Tarneit train station, opened last month, faces immediate parking shortages, with spaces full by 8am during school holidays. Commuters report arriving earlier to secure spots, while others advocate for improved bus services. The station's car park, initially designed for 400 vehicles, struggles to meet demand. Local residents and transport advocates highlight broader infrastructure challenges in Melbourne's rapidly growing western suburbs. The government has allocated land for additional parking but notes developers must construct access roads.
