126 days after announcing a 90 day review of Australia’s $120 billion infrastructure pipeline, Mallee communities are still waiting to hear whether their key projects will continue or be axed by the Albanese Labor Government.

Member for Mallee Anne Webster said Infrastructure Minister Catherine King needed to give answers on Coalition-funded projects such as the $60 million Swan Hill Bridge, the completion of the $360 million duplication of the Western Highway between Ararat and Stawell and the $4 million Horsham Roundabout.

“Mallee people are eager to see these projects delivered but the Minister is dragging her feet,” Dr Webster said.

“it’s not just these projects in the firing line, other important safety upgrades on Mallee highways such as overtaking lanes on the Calder Highway between Marong and Derby will provide a broad community benefit but Labor can’t even tell us if they will go ahead or not.”

Dr Webster said the Minister was playing politics by targeting Coalition projects under the guise of “cleaning up” the infrastructure pipeline.

“Excluding Labor election commitments from this review highlights Minister King’s pure cynicism when it comes to funding vital infrastructure,” Dr Webster said.

“The Minister clearly sees any investment in non-Labor seats through a political lens and is happy to throw around terms such as pork barrelling, all the while paying lip service to regional communities.”

Mallee projects subject to the 90 day review are:

• The Swan Hill Bridge
• The Green Triangle (Incorporating the Henty Highway from Horsham to Victoria’s Southern ports)
• Sunraysia Highway Ballarat to Ouyen – Future Priorities
• Murray Valley Highway Echuca to Robinvale – Future Priorities
• Calder Highway Melbourne to Mildura- Future Priorities
• Calder Highway Melbourne to Mildura – Overtaking Lanes
• Western Highway Stawell to South Australian Border – Future Priorities
• Western Highway Stawell to South Australian Border – Horsham Junction Upgrade
• Western Highway Stawell to South Australian Border – Seaby Street Intersection Upgrade
• Western Highway – Complete the Duplication Between Ararat and Stawell