News | 16 November

CCF Victoria has hailed the opening of Melbourne’s new $15 billion Metro Tunnel as a pinnacle moment for civil construction.

The nine-kilometre rail tunnel running underneath the city between Kensington and South Yarra with five new underground stations has been a decade in the making.

“Civil infrastructure as delivered by our contractor members is the foundation of our cities, towns and suburbs across Victoria – our members deliver the enabling infrastructure that supports the growth of businesses, jobs and communities,” CCF Victoria Lisa Kinross said on Sunday.

“This is a statement moment for civil construction achievement in Melbourne and Victoria’s history. Not only has our industry completed a city-shaping project but it has also delivered a once-in-a-generation infrastructure initiative not seen since the opening of the City Loop.

“We’re proud of the outstanding work delivered all the civil contractors, subcontractors and suppliers who have played a pivotal role in this project.”

CCF Victoria also acknowledged reports on Sunday that the federal government had committed extra funding for the Suburban Rail Loop East, another critical Big Build transport project that will redefine Melbourne’s outer suburbs, amid massive population growth forecasts.

While the specific amount to be funded will not be revealed until the next federal budget in May 2026, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s announcement was a further vote of investment confidence in Victoria’s civil construction industry, Ms Kinross said.

“The civil industry often goes unrecognised because it is just assumed these projects will be delivered regardless.

“Critical civil projects such as the Metro Tunnel and SRL, as well as smaller but no less significant enabling infrastructure such as regional roads, housing and renewable energy projects, are the bedrock of economic and community prosperity.

“Our industry is responsible for the roads, rail and active transport infrastructure that gets Victorians moving, for the bridges and tunnels that connect communities and the earthworks and sub-divisions on which affordable homes of choice can be built.”

CCF Victoria welcomes Melbourne’s new Metro Tunnel opening

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