Mr PALLAS (Werribee—Treasurer, Minister for Economic Development, Minister for Industrial Relations) (09:39): I rise today to update the house on some fantastic news regarding significant infrastructure upgrades in my electorate of Werribee. The Andrews Labor government is getting on with the job of removing 75 dangerous and congested level crossings right across Melbourne, and works remove the Cherry Street level crossing are now well underway in Werribee. The Cherry Street level crossing removal project will involve the construction of a new bridge to connect Tarneit Road and the Princes Highway, as well as 130 new and upgraded car parking spaces built near Werribee station, thanks to the government’s Car Parks for Commuters Fund.

I am also pleased to say that the designs for the removal of the Old Geelong Road and Werribee Street crossings have also been announced. When completed these removals will provide for less congestion, improved safety and reduced travel times without the dreaded boom gate delays.

I am also delighted to see that major works are progressing at the Duncans Road interchange in Werribee as part of the Andrews Labor government’s $1.8 billion investment in western roads upgrades for Wyndham.

And in the spirit of the upcoming International Women’s Day, I want to take the opportunity to acknowledge that these road upgrades have seen more than 300 women working on the project, from communications managers to engineers and labourers.

So level crossing removals, upgraded parking and better roads: these are some of the important investments made by our government to accommodate the growing electorate in Werribee.