The Baillieu government is attempting to push ahead with the East-West tunnel previously proposed by the Brumby government and has sought $30 million from Federal Infrastructure Australia for further investigations. The decision is still pending.
The tunnel will have a significant impact on communities in inner-Melbourne and the West. JJ Holland Park in Kensington, for example, was earmarked as a staging area for the construction of the tunnel. The inner West suburb of Seddon was earmarked to have the emissions stack pumping the exhaust from the tunnel into their air. Many parts of inner Melbourne risk becoming a mess of on and off ramps.
The previous government's proposal met with widespread community opposition and I will fight this plan every step of the way.
A healthy community needs good parks and efficient public transport.
I will be proposing that federal funding in infrastructure prioritise clean transport options not more toll roads.
TO THE HONOURABLE SPEAKER AND MEMBERS OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES - This petition of concerned citizens draws to the attention of the House that the Victorian Government is seeking Federal funding for the East-West road tunnel that will have a negative impact on communities in Melbourne We call upon the House to support federal funding for public transport not a new road tunnel through Melbourne.
