Pallas tries to get infrastructure debate back on track

<p>Victorian ports minister Tim Pallas attempted yesterday (Thursday, January 31) to get the State Government’s message across after having lost traction in the debate on dredging and freight transport infrastructure.</p> <p>In an ABC radio interview with respected host John Faine, Mr Pallas pointed out that it had been 15 years since the dredging plan had first been floated.</p> <p>Asked if there was a need to review the plan given recent statements by political and industry identities, he said: "Oh, no. I think the plan has been well enunciated.</p> <p>"I think the public is of the view that the debate’s been had and they want the governments to get on with it."</p> <p>Tackled on statements by ANL chief executive John Lines and rail expert Tim Fischer supporting the development of Webb Dock as a way of avoiding dredging the Yarra River, Mr Pallas said that it was already part of $2bn investment in the Port Development Plan.</p> <p>"One of the problems of Webb Dock is that we will have to re-establish the rail linkages," he said</p> <p>"That will bring with it a number of planning and environmental considerations, such as where you would put a re-established rail link across the Yarra River."</p> <p>When the possibility of placing the rail bridge &#8211 at $120m, cheaper to build than the tunnel option &#8211 next to the Bolte Bridge was suggested, Mr Pallas said: "There would need to be a substantial community debate about the appropriateness of that." </p> <p>Such a bridge may face noise pollution opposition from residents of Docklands.</p> <p>Mr Pallas sought to highlight the planning that had been ignored in recent debate, pushed mainly by the <em>Age</em> newspaper.</p> <p>"We’re planning to develop not just the port but the intermodal facilities in Altona, Laverton, Somerton and Dandenong," he said.</p> <p>"We’ve also put out for public consultation a proposal for road and rail linkages down to Port Hastings that could cost up to $10bn over the next 30 years."</p> <p>Meanwhile, premier John Brumby said today that Federal environment minister Peter Garrett was under no pressure from Victoria to accelerate approval of the Port of Melbourne’s environmental protection guidelines.</p> <p>Despite delays costing $250,000 a day, Mr Brumby said Mr Garrett would have all the time he needs to make his decision properly.</p> <!– <script type="text/javascript" src="/content/LLDCN/audio/common.js"></script> <table width="66%" border="0"> <tr> <td width="28"></td> <td width="442"><a href="/rn/"></a></td> </tr> <tr> <td><img src="/content/LLDCN/audio/soundicon.gif" width="26" height="25"></td> <td>Graeme Rowley audio interview.<br> <a href="/informaoz/LLDCN/audio/default.htm" onClick="return openPlayer(‘/informaoz/LLDCN/audio/default.htm’,”,600,250)" class="listen">Listen</a></td> </tr> </table> <p>&nbsp</p> <p>&nbsp</p> –> <br />