The independent strategic review found that the Infrastructure Investment Program inherited from the former Coalition Government was undeliverable.

After considered consultation with the States and Territories, we now have a forward plan of projects that are properly planned and targeted to unlock significant economic, social, and environmental objectives.


The following projects in the Bendigo Electorate will proceed as planned:

• Pedestrian and Safer Schools – Regional

• Various Rural Intersection Safety Upgrades

• Melbourne to Mildura - Project Development and Preconstruction

• Melbourne to Mildura - Overtaking Lanes

• Bendigo/Echuca Rail Line Upgrade


The Albanese Government is also strengthening its commitment to road safety and repair with significant increases in funding and changes to programs delivered by local councils.

Roads to Recovery funding will rise gradually from $500 million to $1 billion per year, and Black Spot funding will increase from the current annual commitment of $110 million to $150 million per year.

This additional investment in the Commonwealth’s two cornerstone local roads investment programs will lead to safer and more productive roads across Australia.

Quotes attributable to the Federal Member for Bendigo, Lisa Chesters MP:

"It is good to know that key infrastructure projects impacting the Bendigo electorate will proceed.

"These infrastructure projects are predominantly road safety improvement projects that will help ensure a safer road network for all road users.

“The rail upgrades to the Bendigo/Echuca Line are about getting people where they need to go, whether it’s home or to work, faster and safer.

“We’ve listened and will inject more money where it counts – making it easier for local councils to access the support they need to progress their priority road projects.

“This will make a huge difference for councils outside of our big cities in particular – which have significant and ageing road networks under more demand than ever.”