The two councils are part of the South East Metro Group, which has urged extensive roadworks in its budget submission to the state government.

The group wants better east-west roads as part of a plan to move people around in an efficient and sustainable way.

The submission also mentions freight issues from ports, alcohol-related harm and the need for more kindergartens.

Casey council transport manager Paul Hamilton said the state government needed to "urgently address" several road projects, including:

■ A third lane on the Hallam Bypass

■ Upgrading the Monash/South Gippsland Freeway merge

Extending the Dandenong Southern Bypass to the South Gippsland Freeway, and

■ Fully duplicating Thompsons Road from Dandenong-Frankston Road to the South Gippsland Highway.

Outgoing Cardinia Shire mayor George Blenkhorn said the SEM councils advocated for the changes required to sustain the region. He said the south-east was a key engine room of Victoria's economy. "However, there are strong challenges for the region, particularly with the lack of efficient and sustainable transport."

The other councils in the group are Kingston, Frankston, Greater Dandenong, Bass Coast Shire and Mornington Peninsula Shire.