By Bridie Byrne
HOBSONS Bay Council has some concerns but is generally supportive of the East West Link Needs Assessment.
The council’s draft submission in response to the report will be considered for adoption at the council meeting tonight.
Hobsons Bay mayor Bill Baarini said that while most of the recommendations in the Investing in Transport report would benefit people living in the western region, the council held serious concerns over some of the proposals.
“The option to widen the West Gate Freeway could result in property acquisition for our residents living alongside the existing freeway, which the council will not stand for,” he said.
“The truck action plan recommendation may also have an adverse impact on residents living in Spotswood, South Kingsville, Altona North and Brooklyn.
“The council believes that some of the initiatives that have been earmarked as long-term projects should be fast-tracked to the near future to relieve additional pressures caused by population growth.”
Recommendations to improve east-west travel include:
• A 17-kilometre rail tunnel linking Melbourne’s western and south-eastern suburbs;
• An 18-kilometre road corridor to provide an alternative to the West Gate Bridge;
• Road improvements to remove truck traffic from local roads in the inner western suburbs;
• Improved cycling connections.
The council’s draft submission is available for viewing on the council’s website at www.hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au.
The Department of Infrastructure will accept submissions about the report until today.
To view the report and submit feedback, visit the Department of Infrastructure website at www.doi.vic.gov.au.
