Victoria’s 2018 state election has seen congestion as a top issue. So how do the parties transport commitments stack up?

Melbourne is seeing huge population growth straining a city built for many less. The current Labor state government won in 2014 on the back of scrapping a megaroad and some sorely-needed public transport projects. Over the past 4 years, the government has set the ball rolling with important public transport initiatives. But we've also see them switch gears to kick off some of the biggest dirtiest mega roads in our states history.

What will happen for the next 4 years based on what we’ve heard so far?

MEDIA RELEASE - 28 August 2018

Friends of the Earth welcomes visionary rail plan for Melbourne

Today Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews has announced a game-changing rail plan for Melbourne's suburbs, linking all major rail lines via an underground loop.

Community-driven environment group Friends of the Earth says that with Melbourne's population growth the city needs 21st Century planning and investment in efficient transport solutions, especially in our suburbs.

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

Friends! Tax time is upon us and now is the time to dig deep and help us as we gear up for the November State Election. We have 5 key asks this election:

• Victoria's first climate focused budget, delivering investment in climate change solutions and protects communities from climate impacts.
  
  
• Powering Melbourne’s train network with solar and wind power to ensure
  Victoria’s transport system is clean, modern and non-polluting while creating
  sustainable jobs in regional Victoria and metropolitan areas.
   
• The creation of the Great Forest National Park (GFNP) and East Gippsland Emerald Link Reserve, delivering a transition plan for workers in the forestry industry.
  
  
• Commitment to a community focused transport plan for the future of Melbourne and shift funding from roads to critical public transport infrastructure, such as Melbourne Metro 2.
  
  
• The creation of a publicly-owned retailer, backed by 100% renewable energy, to ensure Victorians have access to clean, fair and affordable electricity.

Can you help us make this a reality? Please make a tax deductible donation here - together we can do this!

Our state is undergoing profound change as the population grows, entire industries go to the wall, and climate change starts to really impact on our landscapes, economy and lifestyles. Yet Melbourne continues to sprawl, as low-density development covers valuable farmland and remnant vegetation, supported by transport infrastructure that will perpetuate our current reliance on cars.

In November 2018, Victorians will head to the polls. It is an opportunity for political parties to present detailed plans for responding to these challenges.   

We are almost at full capacity to launch exciting new campaign to realise our vision for Victoria: a state that works for people, climate, environment, and economy on May 24.

We have 6 months to make a difference! Please RSVP to avoid disappointment at foe.org.au/6months.

This week has been a busy one. With the upcoming budget, we need to make our voices heard. On Monday the 23rd many protests were held across Melbourne to let our MP's know what citizens want. Less money for mega roads, more money for public transport, and more options for transport. It was a great success, with over 50 Melburnians coming to rally outside their local politician's office. We will be waiting anxiously for next week to see what the budget holds for public and active transport!

Our transport system is a mess.

Roads don’t relieve congestion, they create it.  But state government after state government keep building roads. They keep putting the road lobby and private interests before smart transport solutions.

This is why we need to build enough momentum to stop ANY mega toll road project that they put on the table.

And that’s where our #GetOnBoard plan comes in.