WHITTLESEA: Council backs Libs promise
The City of Whittlesea has welcomed a $524 million funding commitment from the Liberal-National Coalition to duplicate Donnybrook Rd.
The Opposition has announced that if elected it will duplicate a section of Donnybrook Rd from Epping Rd, Woodstock to Dwyer St, Kalkallo.
The election promise, made by Opposition Leader Jess Wilson, also commits to the removal of the level crossing at Donnybrook Railway Station.
Whittlesea Council has long advocated for Donnybrook Rd’s duplication, with the project included as a top priority in its Advocacy Prospectus 2025-29.
Donnybrook Rd is a key road connecting Donnybrook residents to essential services locally, as well as to the Hume Fwy and precincts to the west and northwest.
With Donnybrook’s population forecast to grow from 9100 in 2025 to more than 60,000 in 2041, the corresponding increase in traffic volumes will place considerable pressure on Donnybrook Rd.
Duplicating the road will increase capacity, reduce congestion and improve safety for motorists, cyclists and pedestrians.
City of Whittlesea Mayor, Cr Lawrie Cox, said: “Donnybrook Rd is a vital east-west link that connects residents to employment, education, medical, commercial, sporting and social opportunities,” he said.
“Donnybrook’s rapid growth has placed a lot of pressure on Donnybrook Rd, resulting in poor traffic flow and long journey times.
“We have listened to our community’s concerns over Donnybrook Rd and advocated strongly for it to be upgraded for a number of years.
“We are pleased that the Liberal-National Coalition has committed to its duplication if they are elected in November,” Cr Cox said.