Mr PALLAS (Treasurer) — I rise to update the house of the Andrews Labor government’s huge investments in road infrastructure in my local community, infrastructure that will cut commute times, support businesses and also grow jobs.

This week I joined the Premier and the Minister for Roads and Road Safety to announce a $1.8 billion package to transform and improve roads in Melbourne’s outer west. More than 700 kilometres of road stretching from Werribee to Footscray will be upgraded and maintained for the next 20 years, ensuring that local roads keep pace with rapid population growth. These crucial road upgrades in growth areas such as the much‑needed Duncans Road interchange in my electorate of Werribee — and of course some roads in the Speaker’s electorate as well — will significantly cut travel times and return $4.40 for every $1 spent.

This worthwhile investment comes shortly after the completion of the Andrews government’s $45 million Sneydes Road interchange. I was thrilled to recently open this vital link between Werribee, the Melbourne CBD and Geelong, which will significantly improve traffic flow and provide safer travel networks for pedestrians and cyclists. These road investments are about improving accessibility for residents in Melbourne’s rapidly growing outer western suburbs who suffered from four years of Liberal neglect but who are now receiving the investment they deserve.