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As you
would already be aware, transport expert Sir Rod Eddington has
released a report containing multi-billion-dollar proposals to
improve Melbourne’s transport network.
Sir
Rod’s report is the culmination of 12 months of research, with more
than 130 public submissions, site visits, and consultation with
councils, business, industry and the community.
The
report includes two major infrastructure recommendations and a
number of smaller but highly significant initiatives to address
transport issues in the east-west corridor:
Key
recommendations in the report include:
- a 17
km rail tunnel linking Melbourne’s western and south eastern
suburbs;
- an 18
km road corridor that provides an alternative to the
WestGateBridge;
- targeted road
improvements to remove truck traffic from local roads in the inner
western suburbs;
- a
major boost to bus service for Doncaster;
- Improved cycling
connections.
Please
note that the East West Needs Assessment addresses issues
pertaining to east west travel, not the entire transport
network.
GOVERNMENT
RESPONSE
All
recommendations are on the table for consideration. The Government
has not ruled anything in or out and will consider this report very
carefully before responding at the end of this year. The Government
agrees with Sir Rod that doing nothing is not an option.
The key
to framing the Government’s response to these proposals is to hear
from Victorians who cycle to work; drive across town; and catch
trains, trams and buses, because Melbourne’s transport network
belongs to the people who use it.
Mr
Brumby said the Government and the wider community will need to
consider some critical questions in evaluating any proposal in the
report, including:
- Whether it would make
communities more liveable;
- Whether it would make
Victoria more sustainable;
- Whether a project
would make Victoria’s economy more productive;
and
- How it
ranks alongside other Victorian priorities – both in transport and
other priority areas.
The
Brumby Government has a strong track record in investing in the
State’s transport infrastructure. We have responded to the
challenge of rebuilding neglected roads and rail – and we are
responding to the challenge of planning for future demand on our
transport system. Investing in transport connections and
delivering the right solutions for transport between Melbourne’s
eastern and western suburbs is vital to our future
prosperity.
PUBLIC
COMMENT
The
15-week period for members of the public to provide comment on the
recommendations in the report has now closed. Public submissions
and comments will be considered as part of the formal Government
response.
As a
local resident and the Member for Melbourne I have contributed my
views through the formal submission process. To view my submission
click here.
I am
keen to hear from you about what you think of the options
recommended. If you have made a submission please forward a
copy to me at :
bronwynpike@bronwynpike.com
or
146 –
148 Peel Street
NORTH
MELBOURNE, 3051 | 