- Published:
- Wednesday 7 March 2018
The Liberals and the Greens have today suspended construction on the West Gate Tunnel, throwing the jobs of 800 Victorians in to limbo, in an unprecedented act of economic vandalism.
In a move condemned by industry and community groups, Matthew Guy and the Greens today teamed up to manipulate parliamentary powers to revoke planning approval and stop construction on the West Gate Tunnel.
As a result of this reckless parliamentary manoeuvre, major construction work has been suspended at both the Northern Portal Site – where work is underway ahead of Tunnel Boring Machines being launched - and on the West Gate Freeway, which will be widened to 12 lanes.
Victorian industry, including the Victorian Chamber, the Victorian Transport Association, the Urban Development Institute, and G21 Geelong have repeatedly called on the Liberals and Greens not to take this reckless step.
In a statement issued today and sent to all Members of the Legislative Council, these groups said, “For Victoria’s sake, the Parliament must not stop the West Gate Tunnel,” calling the move “irresponsible”, and reiterating that “Melbourne needs an alternative to the West Gate Bridge – and this project delivers it.”
Maribyrnong Truck Action Group have hit out at the Greens, stating “MTAG is bitterly disappointed at their decision to join with the Coalition to block parliamentary planning approvals for the West Gate Tunnel Project.”
The Liberals and the Greens have ignored community and industry pleas, and stopped the project in its tracks.
Over the last two and a half years, the West Gate Tunnel project went through the most comprehensive planning approval process ever conducted for a Victorian road project.
Cancelling planning approval for a major project already under construction is unprecedented in Victorian history.
The West Gate Tunnel project will cut 20 minutes travel time from the western suburbs, Geelong and Ballarat. It will also create more than 6,000 jobs, including 500 opportunities for apprentices, trainees and cadets.
The Andrews Labor Government will give certainty to the 800 families thrown in to limbo by the Liberal-Green decision, reissuing planning approval for this vital project by tomorrow allowing work to recommence.
Quotes attributable to Premier Daniel Andrews
“The Liberals didn’t do anything in government, and are now fighting tooth and nail to stop us getting on with the projects Victoria needs.”
“Only Labor gets things done, and will deliver this vital project that creates more than 6,000 new jobs.”
Quote attributable to Minster for Roads Luke Donnellan
“Cancelling the planning approval now – for a major project already under construction – is unprecedented, and puts thousands of jobs, an alternative to the West Gate Bridge, and truck bans in the west at risk.”