2017-11-27
The Greens have condemned Labor’s decision to approve the West Gate Tunnel amid extensive evidence that the toll road will create more traffic problems for Melbourne, and entrench car use across the city.
The Andrews Government’s own experts reported in the Environmental Effects Statement that the road would not solve traffic congestion, and would funnel thousands more cars into inner Melbourne each day.
“Labor have sold out on the community and approved a toll road designed by Transurban that only serves Transurban’s bottom line," said Colleen Hartland MLC, Member for the Western Metropolitan Region.
“Just look at the evidence, Labor’s own experts have said the toll road won’t solve traffic in the west. We know the toll road will funnel thousands more cars into inner Melbourne each day, it’s a disaster for Melbourne.”
“There is a huge thirst for better public transport in the west. We need more trains on the Werribee and Sunbury lines, buses that run often and connect to trains, and Metro services for metropolitan passengers along the Ballarat line, not V/Line servicing the suburbs.”
“Melbourne is stuck in traffic, and with the West Gate Tunnel and North East Link, that’s how we’re going to stay.”