Portfolio — 28 August 2026

The Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government announced three major transport infrastructure projects across Victoria, New South Wales and Western Australia on 28 August, sustaining the portfolio's focus on regional freight productivity and congestion reduction. The announcements follow yesterday's $22.2 million Black Spot Program funding for rural NSW road safety, extending a 36-hour pattern of regional transport investment.

**Goulburn Valley Link Freight Precinct completed**

The Minister announced completion of the $22.5 million Goulburn Valley Link Freight Precinct in regional Victoria, delivering upgrades to Simson Road, a new roundabout at the Toolamba-Simpson Road intersection, and an intermodal terminal linking to the Port of Melbourne [TA-260828-infras-2fa7a7d26601:m00AMR]. The Australian Government contributed $8.5 million, with $14 million from the Greater Shepparton City Council.

The Minister framed the project as creating a more efficient freight system for agriculture, manufacturing and other key industries.

**Maitland flyover investigations to begin**

The Minister confirmed that investigation works on the westbound flyover at the Cessnock Road and New England Highway roundabout in Maitland will begin next week, as part of a $100 million upgrade fully funded by the Albanese Government [TA-260828-infras-4cde965e5da8:m00AMR]. Transport for NSW will conduct geotechnical and survey investigations from 31 August for up to three months, informing the design and cost of the flyover.

The upgrade targets congestion reduction and improved freight movement.

**Kwinana Freeway Upgrade construction to start early next year**

The Minister announced that construction of the $700 million Kwinana Freeway Upgrade in Perth will commence early next year, widening more than 29 km of freeway and adding coordinated ramp signals to create 42 km of continuous smart freeway [TA-260828-infras-bf2b45f6d1ad:m00AMR]. The project is jointly funded by the Albanese and Cook Labor Governments. It is expected to support up to 4,180 local jobs, with major sections opened by late 2028 and full completion by mid-2029.

**Portfolio pattern**

Today's three announcements reinforce the portfolio's pattern of prioritising regional transport infrastructure that enhances freight productivity and reduces congestion across multiple jurisdictions. The continuity with yesterday's Black Spot Program funding extends the minister's focus on regional transport improvements within a concentrated window.