COVID-19 Building Works Package
Major transport investment to drive Victoria’s recovery
On 18 May 2020, the Victorian Government announced the $2.7 billion Building Works package to support projects and jobs across Victoria as part of our coronavirus (COVID-19) economic recovery.
The package will create 3,700 direct jobs, while supporting thousands more across our state’s supply chains and pumping extra dollars back into our economy.
This includes a $328 million investment into roads, public transport, jetties and piers, with critical maintenance and upgrades that will support more than 600 jobs.
Projects will commence within the coming weeks and months and comply with the Local Jobs First Policy and Social Procurement Framework.
Half of this investment will directly benefit regional Victoria, and a further 40 per cent allocated to projects benefiting both regional and metropolitan areas.
Maintenance boost for Victoria’s roads
Victoria’s road network will get a $124 million maintenance boost, which includes $26 million to resurface even more of the roads that Victorians rely on every day.
More than $20 million will also be invested in bushfire affected areas, helping local communities with additional road improvements to support freight and future tourism – and with it, local jobs.
More than $10 million is committed to strengthening bridges across the road network, helping to connect communities and local producers.
A further $32 million will support an increased maintenance program, including patching works, hazardous vegetation removal and drain cleaning.
A further $32.8 million will help prevent landslips in regional communities, with rock netting and rockfall catch fences installed along roads.
Maintenance boost for public transport
More than $90 million will be invested to upgrade and replace sleepers, structures and signalling across our regional rail network.
As part of the funding, an additional 300kms of sleepers and ballast will be renewed for more reliable and smoother regional train services and more efficient movement of freight.
Regional trains and Melbourne’s trams will also benefit from $62.6 million in maintenance and restoration works, with more than half to be spent on improving the reliability of V/Line trains for regional passengers.
More than $23 million has been allocated to improve stations and stops on our public transport network, including providing better seating, passenger information, toilet facilities, and improving accessibility for all passengers.
Sixteen train stations will be upgraded across the state, creating local jobs while improving the public transport network for everyone that relies on it.
Eleven metropolitan stations – including Heathmont, Frankston, Melton and Moonee Ponds – will be upgraded as part of the investment, along with five regional stations, including Broadford, North Shore and Lara.
The upgrades include new passenger information screens, public address equipment and disability shelters, as well as extra car parks, toilet facilities and bike parking racks.
A further $5.6 million will be invested to remove rubbish and graffiti and manage vegetation along our transport corridors.
Pier and jetty upgrades
The Victorian Government will invest $12.8 million to support commercial fishing, commercial operators and public access in Victoria.
Importantly, this work will help support local jobs.
Portarlington residents, visitors and businesses will see a $9.6 million renewal of the Portarlington Pier to support fishing and future tourism at this coastal town.
A further $3.2 million has also been allocated for a range of repairs and improvements to wharves, piers and jetties including at Portland, Western Port, Mornington Peninsula and Port Welshpool.
Please continue to visit this page for updates about this announcement.