The State Government has announced millions of dollars for Cardinia with the council more than pleased to see $22 million to expand the local bus network and $23 million going to accommodate the development of Pakenham and Officer.
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 reconfiguration of Drake Place.
• $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.
$12.7 million in total will be utilised to accommodate the significant changes to the centre of Pakenham in the next few years with the council Pakenham Revitalisation Project, the new station and the Pakenham Community Hospital with a ’reconfiguration’ of Drake Place and an extension of John Street to provide better vehicle and pedestrian access.
The $6 million toward McGregor Road is also to help the revitalisation project, this will duplicated McGregor Road at the rail line after the level crossing is removed, while the intersection with Henty Street will be signalised all to improve traffic flow into the town centre
Officer’s will have works as well with the $2.8 million for the Princes Highway/Arena Parade intersection upgrade which is part of the Cardinia Road Precinct Structure Plan and will help to facilitate further development of Officer and its town centre. Design works are reportedly underway.
VICSES Officer Station is set to open soon, the funding toward the SES will go towards 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 which she has advocated significantly for.
“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 also a victory for the council who have pushed for funding around the major projects coming up and for better bus services.
“Council would like to thank the Victorian Government for recognising how vital these projects are to our growing community in Pakenham and Officer,“ Mayor Kowarzik said.
“This funding enables us to lock in further stages of the Pakenham Revitalisation Project and keep delivering on the community’s vision for Pakenham – as a vibrant and exciting destination that’s safe and accessible for everyone.
“The funding will also support and complement existing Victorian Government projects being delivered in Pakenham. It will assist greatly in improving road and pedestrian access to key destinations in and around the town’s Activity Centre, and enhancing the area’s liveability for the local community.
“We are also very pleased that such a significant funding amount is going towards boosting bus services in Officer and its surrounds. Ensuring people can access affordable and reliable public transport is so important for helping our community members get to work, school and other places of study, to access healthcare and retail services, and to stay connected with friends and family.”
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.
For more information on the GAIC fund, visit planning.vic.gov.au/guides-and-resources/legislation-regulation-and-fees/growth-areas-infrastructure-contributions
