Cardinia Shire Council has welcomed $21.5 million in funding from the Victorian Government to support the delivery of essential infrastructure and road projects in Cardinia Shire's growth corridor.
Officer residents can also look forward to improved bus services in the area, with $22.6 million also announced for the extension of bus services for routes 925 and 928.
The Minister for Planning Sonya Kilkenny delivered the good news, alongside Pakenham MP Emma Vulin, last Wednesday (24 April) during a visit to Cardinia Shire.
The funding is being provided through the Growth Areas Infrastructure Contribution (GAIC) fund. GAIC funding supports the delivery of essential infrastructure to create resilient and liveable communities in Melbourne's fastest growing suburbs in the 7 major growth area councils: Cardinia, Casey, Hume, Melton, Mitchell, Whittlesea and Wyndham.
Council applied for GAIC funding last year and has been successful in securing funding for the following projects:
- Reconfiguration of Drake Place - $8.4 million
These works form part of the Pakenham Revitalisation Project. The project will improve pedestrian access to Main Street and connections with key destinations including the Pakenham Railway Station and proposed community hospital.
- Extension of John Street, Pakenham - $4.3 million
John Street will be extended from Drake Place through to Henty Street to improve access through to McGregor Road and to the proposed community hospital.
- McGregor Road duplication and Henty Road signalisation (traffic lights) - $6 million
The road duplication will further improve traffic flow, following the removal of the level crossing in McGregor Road. The installation of traffic lights at the intersection of Henty Street and McGregor Road forms part of the wider Pakenham Revitalisation Project and will help traffic flow to Main Street. Project design is underway.
- Princes Highway/Arena Parade intersection upgrade - $2.8 millionThese works are required as part of the Cardinia Road Precinct Structure Plan (PSP) and will help to facilitate further development of Officer and its town centre. Design works are now underway.
Cardinia Shire Mayor Cr Jack Kowarzik said Council had engaged with all levels of government to advocate for funding to support the Pakenham Revitalisation Project and welcomed the announcement.
"Council would like to thank the Victorian Government for recognising how vital these projects are to our growing community in Pakenham and Officer.
"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," Mayor Kowarzik said.
"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."
