By Alesha Capone
A SUNSHINE West business owner is relieved the proposed WestLink freeway route looks set to avoid his engineering company.
In July, Star reported Andrew Miles was “pretty devastated” at the prospect his General Laser business could be acquired by the State Government to make way for the new road, which still needs to be funded by the Federal Government.
However, last week theState Government announced it has chosen a WestLink route which avoids the need for any residential property acquisition and minimises impacts on businesses.
The government’s “preferred route” will begin near the Port of Melbourne, go below West Footscray, come up near Paramount Rd and then pass Somerville Rd in Brooklyn.
It would travel close to Proximity Drive in Sunshine West near Enterprise Way, Technology Drive and Endeavour Way.
The route would then cross Fairbairn Rd and go over land near Industrial Drive, before connecting with the ring road.
“The modified blue option could avoid 12 small businesses along Industrial Drive which were affected by the original option in this area,” a map on the WestLink website said.
Roads Minister Tim Pallas said 15 businesses would be affected by the first stage of the project, which is not expected to begin construction until 2013, with another 65 businesses impacted by the connection to the Western Ring Road after 2017.
Mr Miles, whose business is located in Adams Crt, said he would be “very happy” to stay at the address.
“At this stage it looks like it (WestLink) will miss me by only a few feet, so I’m a little bit more relaxed,” he said.
“I don’t think it’ll change anything. Our factory walls will be right next to the freeway so we may even be able to put up some advertising.
“At this stage for myself it’s good news, however I’m still eagerly awaiting the final outcome.
“I’m not going to make any business decisions or investments until the very final decision is made, so I’m just running as usual now.”
