Federal Member for Gorton, Brendan O’Connor, says that the Rudd Government’s first Federal Budget has delivered for the people of Gorton.

"Not only does this Budget deliver on Labor’s commitment to give every taxpayer in Gorton a tax cut, it also provides funding for several important local infrastructure projects and institutions," Mr O’Connor said.

"For example, Victoria University will receive a special one-off payment of $8.2 million to help rebuild its infrastructure."

This commitment is part of an extra $500 million set aside in the Federal Budget to help universities address infrastructure needs, such as information and communications technology, laboratories, libraries and study spaces, teaching spaces and student amenities.

"After eleven years of neglect under the Howard Government, this payment will help Victoria University to improve its campus infrastructure," Mr O’Connor said.

"Victoria University is a very important institution to the people in our region. I’m delighted that this funding has been allocated. It’s fantastic news for our local area."

Under the National Projects Scheme, the Federal Budget also sets aside $53.2 million for continuation of construction of the Deer Park Bypass and Leakes Road Interchange, and $5 million into planning, traffic modelling, scoping works and pre-construction works for the Western Ring Road. The National Projects Scheme funds projects that will deliver national benefits and significantly improve the efficiency and safety of the National Land Transport Network.

The City of Brimbank will receive $1.3 million and the Shire of Melton will receive $468, 793 under the Roads to Recovery program, which allocates funding for local road maintenance and upgrading.

The construction of the Kings Road/Calder Highway interchange will be funded under the AusLink 2 package. Auslink 2 commences on 1 July 2009.

"The construction of the interchange, in conjunction with the Victorian Government, was a commitment that we made at the last election and it will be honoured," Mr O’Connor said.

"Over the next year, the Federal Government will consult with the Victorian Government to set a timetable for construction of this important local project."