By NOEL MURPHY
GEELONG’S number-one demand for the federal election should be securing funding for the western route of Melbourne’s east-west tollway link, according to a regional councils alliance group.
G21 Alliance chief executive Elaine Carbines said the controversial project, which State Government wants to start on the east side, was crucial to Geelong commuters and transport operators.
“The east-west link would take enormous pressure off the Westgate Bridge, it would channel people off the Western Ring Road without having to merge with us when going to Melbourne,” Ms Carbines said.
“We want western side built first. The Government is saying the east side but we’ve put in a submission arguing that planning be done at same time.
“Most of Melbourne’s growth is occurring in the western corridor – at Point Cook, Wyndham, Geelong. It’s the fastest-growing corridor in Australia, so it makes sense to look at the west, at least at same time as east.”
Roads Minister Terry Mulder, the Member for Polwarth, rejected the west priority argument.
“Our background work shows that the first stage between the Eastern Fwy and City Link will deliver the most benefits as a stand-alone project by linking two major freeways and providing an alternative cross-city connection to the north of the CBD,” he told the Independent.
“Building any other section first could create a road to nowhere at the end of Footscray and Dynon Rds and pour traffic into the local area until the links are built.”
Mr Mulder said the previous Government’s Westlink plan was “half a road ending at a T-intersection at the port”.
“This would not solve Melbourne’s congestion problems and would cause gridlock on Footscray Road, Dynon Rd and surrounding local and arterial roads,” he said.
“Planning for the western stage of the project is well-progressed, with a potential route identified so that it can be built at a later stage.’’
The east-west link has a $294 million State Government commitment but requires federal assistance.
Spring Street has reportedly avoided contact with Infrastructure Australia on the project, refusing to forward its business case for scrutiny, but Mr Mulder said a submission would be lodged “over the coming weeks”.
