The Federal Government is providing funding to deliver road and infrastructure projects across Aston to improve liveability in Melbourne’s east.
Federal Minister for Local Government, Kristy McBain, joined Member for Aston, Mary Doyle, to inspect the progress of projects and to discuss the city’s priorities.
As part of the government’s commitment to improving the safety of local roads in Aston, Knox City Council will receive more than $6.4 million in Roads to Recovery funding over the next five years – a boost of over $2.7 million.
This will pave the way for a pipeline of future road safety upgrades, including to a 300m section of Station Street at Ferntree Gully – with $650,000 from the Federal Government supporting improvements to the road surface and kerbs.
This builds on work already delivered, such as upgrades to Rickards Avenue, with $647,999 from the Federal Government making this busy route to Carrington Primary School safer.
Through phase four of the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure (LRCI) program, Knox City Council is receiving over $730,000 for high-impact local projects.
This includes over $432,000 for cricket net upgrades at Marie Wallace Bayswater Oval – something the community has long called for, which will improve player safety and boost participation.
The surface of Knox BMX Track, which regularly hosts state championships, is also being upgraded in 2024 thanks to $300,000 – improving the use of this facility in all weather conditions.
Safety upgrades to Henderson Road at Knoxfield also continue to progress thanks to $14.26 million from the Federal Government – with the project on track for completion in mid-2026 and set to reduce congestion and travel times on this key suburban road.
Nationally, the Federal Government is delivering significant funding increases to support local councils deliver their priority projects.
The Roads to Recovery program is progressively increasing from $500 million to $1 billion per year, the Road Black Spot Program is increasing from $110 million to $150 million per year, and $200 million per year is available under the Safer Local Roads and Infrastructure Program.
Federal Minister for Local Government, Kristy McBain, said that since her historic victory in 2023, Mary Doyle has worked with the Aston community to turn federal funding into local results, while securing millions in funding increases to unlock a pipeline of new work.
“It was fantastic to be in Melbourne’s east with Mary to see projects that she’s campaigned for progressing – from road safety upgrades to sporting improvements – and to discuss some of the area’s future priorities,” Minister McBain said.
Federal Member for Aston, Mary Doyle, said that the government is committed to boosting the liveability of Aston, which is why it was terrific to welcome Minister McBain to Melbourne’s east to look at the roads and infrastructure projects underway, and to discuss forward priorities.
“Melbourne’s east is fast-growing, which is why I’m proud to have secured millions of dollars for our local community, ensuring we continue to build for our future,” Ms Aston said.
“Because without our funding commitments, these important projects wouldn’t get off the ground.”
