The 2011-12 Budget continues the rollout of the Gillard Labor Government’s record capital works program which is renewing and expanding Victoria’s road, rail and public transport infrastructure.

This coming financial year alone, the Government will be provide $1.1 billion to progress a long list of large and smaller scale projects.

We want a Victoria that’s built to compete.

During 2011-12, work will start on the following major projects (Commonwealth contribution shown):

• Improving rail access to the Altona Intermodal facility – Federal contribution: $32 million;

• Constructing the new Somerton Intermodal facility – Federal contribution: $20 million;

• Widening of Clyde Road in Berwick to a four lane carriageway – Federal contribution: $30 million;

• Upgrading and expanding the Warrnambool intermodal – Federal contribution: $600,000.

At the other end of the construction cycle, work is expected to be completed on the following projects over the next 12 months:

• Extending the Geelong Ring Road (4A) over the existing Princes Highway West and along Anglesea Road - Federal contribution: $62.5 million;

• Strengthening and capacity works on the West Gate Bridge – Federal contribution: $120 million;

• Realigning the Western Highway at Anthonys Cutting between Melton and Bacchus Marsh – Federal contribution: $160 million;

• Building the Nagambie Bypass along the Goulburn Valley Highway – Federal contribution: $177.6 million;

• Constructing a new interchange at the intersection between Kings Road and the Calder Freeway – Federal contribution: $25 million;

• Modernising the rail lines at Geelong Port – Federal contribution: $50 million;

• Constructing the new Wimmera Intermodal facility at Dooen – Federal contribution: $6.5 million.

We will also continue funding a range of initiatives designed to make our highways and local roads safer:

• $17.6 million to eliminate another 60 dangerous black spots on local roads;

• $6.5 million for rest stops and the other roadside facilities used by truck drivers.

The 2011-12 Budget also provides $207.2 million to assist Victoria’s councils maintain and upgrade their local roads.

Across Victoria, the Gillard Labor Government is reversing the neglect we inherited and begun putting in place the modern, well-planned infrastructure critical to making the State even more prosperous and its economy even more productive.