27 September 2023

Budget review threatens Big Build timeline

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Victoria’s Big Build is to undergo a review following the announcement of the National Infrastructure Investment Program Review in the 2023-24 Federal Budget.

Reassuring the more than 50,000 Victorians working on Big Build sites, Minister for Transport and Infrastructure, Jacinta Allan said workers may be redeployed to other Big Build sites where their skills could be utilised.

“The review does not include federal election commitments or projects under major construction, and the current total Commonwealth infrastructure investment will stay with Victoria once the review is completed,” Ms Allan said.

“Further details of the review were confirmed with the Federal Budget, with States informed that no new contracts to progress works can be entered into during the review period, without express permission of the Commonwealth Government,” she said.

“That means projects that are moving from early works packages cannot move to the next phase of works for the review period.”

Ms Allan said work would continue on the SRL Airport, Clyde Road Upgrade and the McGregor and Racecourse Road upgrades in Pakenham until the conclusion of their current package of works.

She said that to ensure certainty for workers during this time, they may be temporarily redeployed to other Big Build sites where their skills and experience were useful for major works, while the review was underway.

“The vast majority of Victoria’s Big Build remains completely unaffected, including projects like the Metro Tunnel, West Gate Tunnel and the removal of 110 level crossings,” the Minister said.

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