Victorian Opposition leader Matthew Guy has released his roads package today, marking the move back to the 1960's roads mania.

With Melbourne's population growth we need 21st planning and investment in efficient transport solutions.

"The community will be appalled to see this plan presented as a solution to the congestion in Melbourne,” Rachel Lynskey, Friends of the Earth Sustainable Cities coordinator said today. “These projects will lock us into car transport for decades to come, and over time increasing congestion again."

These mega road projects will not get Melbourne moving. Building roads now only gives drivers short relief before the roads fill again. We then require more infrastructure to tackle the continued congestion.

The last state budget saw over $2 invested in roads for every $1 spent on public transport. Despite growing demand, the short changing of our public transport means we won't be ready to keep Melbourne moving in the future. Mr Guy’s plan will shift funding even more strongly in favour of mega roads at the expense of public transport.

Melbourne's continued investment in roads is at the expense of public transport and a world-class rail network. The community are asking instead that our politicians commit to increasing freight on rail, major rail upgrades, and ongoing expansion of our bus and tram networks.

The community are also asking for investment instead to be made in the “Melbourne Metro 2” project.

“To tackle congestion and commuter traffic we urge the commencement of planning and construction of Melbourne Metro 2. This connection of western Melbourne suburbs and the new Fisherman’s Bend redevelopment with the CBD would create thousands of local jobs, and keep Melbourne moving for the future” said Ms Lynskey.


For more comment contact:  Rachel Lynskey, 0481 288 21