The City of Casey has welcomed the Victorian Liberal and Nationals commitment of $607 million towards the Thompsons Road upgrade and extension, describing it as a significant step towards delivering one of Melbourne's south-east's most important infrastructure projects.
Mayor Cr Michelle Crowther said the commitment recognises the importance of investing in transport infrastructure that will support jobs, economic growth and community connectivity across the rapidly growing south-east region.
"The Thompsons Road upgrade and extension is a critical piece of infrastructure and a major priority of our Building a Better Casey campaign. I thank the Victorian Liberal and National parties for listening to our community and recognising the importance of this project.” Cr Crowther said.
"This investment would help complete a key missing link in our transport network. For our community, this project means easier trips between Casey and Cardinia, access to local jobs and services and less pressure on surrounding roads. As our region continues to grow, residents deserve safe and reliable transport connections.”
The proposed project would extend Thompsons Road from Berwick-Cranbourne Road in Clyde to Koo Wee Rup Road in Pakenham, creating a major east-west transport corridor connecting communities across the south-east. The Victorian Opposition’s commitment will see this first section of Thompsons Road extended to Cardinia Road.
The project has long been advocated for by the City of Casey, Cardinia Shire Council and Greater South East Melbourne (GSEM) as a priority infrastructure investment for the region.
City of Casey Chief Executive Officer Glenn Patterson said the funding commitment reflects years of advocacy by local government and regional partners.
"We welcome the recognition of Thompsons Road as a region-shaping project that will deliver benefits far beyond Casey and Cardinia," Mr Patterson said.
"Completion of this corridor would improve the efficiency of freight movements, support industrial and commercial growth, reduce congestion on surrounding roads and maximise the value of other major transport investments already made across Melbourne's south-east."
"This is the type of infrastructure investment that helps create jobs, attracts business and strengthens Victoria's economic productivity for decades to come."
While welcoming the commitment, the City of Casey is calling on all election candidates to commit to funding and delivering the Thompsons Road Upgrade and Extension ahead of the 2026 State Election.
"We encourage all parties and candidates to support the delivery of Thompsons Road upgrade and extension so our growing communities can benefit from better transport connections, improved access to jobs and a stronger regional economy," Cr Crowther said.