Victoria’s Cardinia Shire Council has welcomed $21.5 million in funding from the Victorian government to support the delivery of essential projects and improved bus services throughout Officer.
In Officer, $22.6 million was announced on top of the current funding to extend bus services for routes 925 and 928, with Victorian planning minister Sonya Kilkenny delivering the good news in late April.
Alongside important road safety works in Pakenham, the funding fuelling these campaigns is being provided through the Growth Areas Infrastructure Contribution (GAIC) fund.
The fund supports essential infrastructure delivery in seven major growth area councils, including Cardinia, Casey, Hume, Melton, Mitchell, Whittlesea and Wyndham.
After applying for funding last year, Cardinia was successful in securing funding for the reconfiguration of Drake Place, the extension of John Street, the duplication of McGregor Road and an intersection upgrade at Princes Highway/Arena Parade.
But, most important was the extension of Officer bus services.
“Council would like to thank the Victorian government for recognising how vital these projects are to our growing community in Pakenham and Officer,” Kardinia mayor Jack Kowarzik says.
“We are also very pleased that such a significant funding amount is going towards boosting bus services in Officer and its surrounds.
Ensuring people can access affordable and reliable public transport is so important for helping our community members get to work, school and other places of study, to access healthcare and retail services, and to stay connected with friends and family.”