GSEM welcomes Opposition commitment to Thompsons Road, calls on all Parties to back vital south east infrastructure

MEDIA RELEASE

The Greater South East Melbourne (GSEM) alliance has welcomed the Victorian Liberal and Nationals commitment to invest $607 million towards the upgrade and extension of Thompsons Road.

GSEM Chair Simon McKeon AO said the announcement is an important recognition of one of the region's most critical infrastructure priorities.

"Melbourne's south east is one of Victoria's most important transport corridors. Every day, thousands of freight vehicles move goods through the region while tens of thousands of people rely on our road network to get to work, school and essential services," Mr McKeon said.

"We welcome this commitment because it recognises the importance of improving transport connections in one of Australia's fastest-growing regions. Deloitte Access Economics has identified Greater South East Melbourne as Australia's manufacturing powerhouse, making reliable freight and transport links especially important to the region's continued economic growth."

The proposed upgrade and extension of Thompsons Road would improve east-west connections between Casey and Cardinia while helping unlock future industrial and commercial development opportunities in Officer South.

GSEM has consistently advocated for completion of the Thompsons Road Upgrade and Extension as part of its election advocacy priorities, identifying the project as a major opportunity to support economic growth, improve connectivity and create jobs.

GSEM also acknowledges the sustained advocacy of the City of Casey and Cardinia Shire Council, whose work has helped build the local case for Thompsons Road as a critical investment in jobs, freight movement and community connectivity.

GSEM has previously highlighted that completing the project would unlock the Officer South Employment Precinct, supporting the creation of 22,000 jobs and around 1,600 new homes. The project also has the potential to support up to 100,000 jobs and generate $35.5 billion in economic output by 2040.

Mr McKeon said the announcement should now be matched by all major parties ahead of the State election.

"This project is too important to become a political contest. The people and businesses of Melbourne's south east need certainty that this vital infrastructure will be delivered," he said.

"Our region generates billions of dollars in economic activity, supports hundreds of thousands of jobs and plays a critical role in connecting freight, workers and visitors across Victoria.

"We are calling on all political parties to commit to funding the Thompsons Road Upgrade and Extension and work with local councils and industry to deliver the infrastructure our growing communities need."

"GSEM will continue to advocate strongly for investment that keeps our region moving, supports local jobs and strengthens Victoria's economy."

ENDS

Media Contact - Maggie Hill (0404 196 452), maggie.hill@theagendagroup.com.au)

GSEM represents communities and businesses in the municipalities of Cardinia, Casey, Frankston, Greater Dandenong, Kingston, Knox, Monash and Mornington Peninsula. The body includes representatives from each local council, and is supported by an Independent Board comprising Simon McKeon, Margaret Fitzherbert and James Merlino.See gsem.org.au