BAILLIEU ASLEEP AT THE WHEEL ON INFRASTRUCTURE
Posted July 5th, 2011 Comments (0) | Share
Victoria is in danger of falling behind other states with the Baillieu Government failing to make a submission to the Federal Government’s infrastructure advisory body to secure funding for key infrastructure projects, Shadow Treasurer Tim Holding said today.
In April this year Sir Rod Eddington told Mr Baillieu to “get a move on”, urging the Government to clarify its position on transport projects worth more than $20 billion left over from the former Labor Government.
Now a new Infrastructure Australia report has revealed the Baillieu Government is still dithering and has no plan for Victoria’s future.
Infrastructure Australia received and assessed 59 new or updated project submissions but none were from the Baillieu Government.
“The dithering and inaction of the Baillieu Government is now plain for all to see,” Mr Holding said.
“This Government’s inaction is costing Victoria jobs and investment as well as the improved productivity that new infrastructure projects bring.”
The report states: “Following the change of government at the election in late 2010, the Victorian Government advised Infrastructure Australia that it was reviewing the strategic plans and infrastructure proposals of the previous government, and that, as a result, it would present proposals progressively for Infrastructure Australia’s consideration as the results of its own reviews were advanced. As at 6 June 2011, no new or revised project submissions have been presented by the Victorian Government.”
“While Infrastructure Australia recommended two projects were ‘ready to proceed’, these were submitted by the former Labor Government,” Mr Holding said.
“The $30 million Route 86 project along 6.8 kilometres in High Street, Darebin is listed as the highest priority project in Victoria, while stage one of the Melbourne Metro Rail Tunnel, which is crucial for the growing north west of Melbourne, is listed, as a priority two project.”
The Melbourne Metro Rail Tunnel would provide a new rail tunnel between Dynon in the west and St Kilda Road near Domain.
Infrastructure Australia also recommended project development funding should be provided for the WestLink project.
“WestLink, incorporating the Truck Action Plan, is sorely needed to cater for increasing population and economic growth in Melbourne’s west,” Mr Holding said.
“The project includes a road tunnel linking the Port of Melbourne precinct with West Footscray and a freeway connection from West Footscray connecting to the Western Ring Road.”
Other Victorian projects on the 2011 Infrastructure Priority List included:
- Stage 2 of the Melbourne Metro Rail Tunnel;
- Melton Rail Line Duplication and Electrification;
- Western Interstate Freight Terminal; and
- Green Triangle Freight Transport Project at the Port of Portland (with South Australia).
“These projects are about improving transport options in Melbourne, but unfortunately it appears these are not a priority for the Baillieu Government,” Mr Holding said.
“The Government has had seven months to outline its vision and plan for Victoria but so far has delivered nothing.
“There is a real danger that Victoria will be overtaken by other states. The fact is if you stand still you get passed, and it seems Mr Baillieu is quite happy to let this happen.
“Mr Baillieu has no plan for jobs, no plan for industry and now this report shows that he has no plan for improving public transport and infrastructure.”