By NATALIE GALLENTI
THE City of Melton’s transport woes seem set to continue according to a new State Government report.
Victoria’s Auditor General, John Doyle, tabled a report, Developing Transport Infrastructure and Services for Population Growth Areas, in parliament last Wednesday.
The report claims that $243 million will need to be spent to address “longstanding” road infrastructure issues in the municipality.
It also states that despite the area’s population being estimated to increase from around 113,000 in 2011 to 225,800 by 2031, or by 100 per cent, residents are being subjected to some of the lowest level of transport options in the state.
Member for Kororoit Marlene Kairouz said the report confirmed what families in Melton have known for a while.
“Without urgent investment in suburban public transport and roads, congestion will continue to grow,” Ms Kairouz said.
She said the report was further evidence the Napthine Government’s $8 billion tunnel will do nothing to improve Melton transport options or reduce congestion in Melbourne’s outer suburbs.
“In fact when Denis Napthine spends $8 billion on this tunnel it means that other transport projects like new train lines, new and upgraded roads and new and upgraded tram lines that are urgently needed now won’t be built for decades,” Ms Kairouz said.
“The Auditor General has blown the whistle on the complete inadequacy of transport in key growth areas across Melbourne including Melton.”
Melton City Council general manager for planning and development Luke Shannon said the report revealed “significant deficiencies” in the road network in all growth areas across Melbourne of which the council is acutely aware.
Mr Shannon said the council would support any further funding from the State and Federal Governments that might result from the report.
RACV’s public transport and mobility manager Thanuja Gunatillake said the need to address this growing backlog was flagged last year by RACV’s Growing Pains report.
She said Melbourne has been left with a legacy of outer suburbs that were never developed with the foresight or funding to upgrade public transport services and the road network.
Star contacted the Minister for Transport, Terry Mulder, for comment but his office did not respond before deadline.
