Following the Federal Government’s review of the Infrastructure Investment Program, the Victorian Government is providing clarity for workers employed by Victoria’s Big Build projects.
The review does not include federal election commitments or projects under major construction, and the current total Federal infrastructure investment will stay with Victoria once the review is completed.
Further details of the review were confirmed with the Federal Budget, with states informed that no new contracts to progress works can be entered into during the review period, without expressed permission from the Federal Government.
Projects that are moving from early works packages cannot move to the next phase of works for the review period.
The Victorian Government has identified several joint projects with work packages close to contract award, including; SRL Airport, Clyde Road Upgrade and the McGregor and Racecourse Road upgrades in Pakenham.
Work on these projects will continue until the conclusion of their current package of works – dates for conclusion vary across each project.
To ensure certainty for workers during this time, they may be temporarily redeployed to other Big Build sites, where their skills and experience are useful for major works, while the review is underway.
The vast majority of Victoria’s Big Build remains completely unaffected, including projects like the Metro Tunnel, West Gate Tunnel and the removal of 110 level crossings – all fully funded by the Victorian Government.
There are currently more than 50,000 Victorians working on Victoria’s Big Build – including on the city-shaping Metro Tunnel, North East Link Program, West Gate Tunnel, major road projects and level crossing removals, with opportunities for workers to move across different projects and utilise their skills.
Victorian Minister for Transport and Infrastructure, Jacinta Allan, said with a massive pipeline of projects on the way for Victoria, the state will be building big for years to come – supporting thousands of jobs across major transport infrastructure projects and boosting the state’s economy.
“While this national review is undertaken, we’re being upfront with our contractors, workforce, and the public, and following the direction from the Federal Government,” Ms Allan said.
