2016-04-14
Greens shocked by the Andrews Government full budgeting commitment to the Western Distributor before the consultation has even taken place with the community.
“We don’t know the details around the road design, the environmental effects assessment is yet to be undertaken and the contract isn’t signed, but it already feels like a done deal with the project already fully budgeted for,” said Western Suburbs Greens MP Colleen Hartland.
“I imagine the different tunnel options, that are supposedly undecided, would vary the cost quite significantly, yet the government has already set a clear budget going forward.”
“This makes me nervous as to how meaningful consultation will really be. Will the community really have a say on the design options?”
“This is a massive road investment from the Andrews Government to the benefit of Transurban who will rake in billions from tolling drivers on City Link and the new road.”
“We know public transport is the big people mover, yet Dan Andrews has fast tracked this road ahead of all other projects, including Melbourne Metro,” said Ms Hartland.