<p>The Victorian Transport Association (VTA) has backed the State Government’s $11.5bn road and rail infrastructure Auslink 2 vision.</p> <p>Chief executive Philip Lovel said funding for roads and ports minister Tim Pallas’s proposals was necessary and urged the Federal Government to “look at the Victorian road funding as part of the whole picture”. </p> <p>“Our Victorian economy is reliant on being able to move freight quickly and cost-effectively and this in turn, affects the national economy significantly,” Mr Lovel said.</p> <p>The broader picture is that improving Victoria’s roads will assist the connections of freight logistics systems across the whole of the supply chain. </p> <p>Improving the connectivity between states would help industry meet the growing freight task, but more importantly, would assist Australia’s manufacturers and other freight generators to remain competitive, the VTA said. </p> <p>“The urgent need for the improvements to road and rail infrastructure outlined by the Victorian Government in its AusLink 2 funding request is not just about the needs of transport logistics operators – this is about the future viability of Australian industries that create the freight and generate economic wealth,” Mr Lovel said. </p> <p>Mr Pallas’s National Transport Links – Growing Victoria’s Economy proposal listed 30 priority projects, including a Western Ring Road upgrade. </p> <p>“The projects must be underpinned by a complete transport infrastructure plan for Victoria and Australia,” Mr Lovel said. </p> <p>“The 30 proposed projects identified will significantly enhance the road network, however they need to be cast in the context of a broader strategic freight logistics vision.”</p> <p>Mr Lovel pointed out that, of the 30 proposed transport projects, there was no mention of a “North-East” link, which would complete the ring road, and provide an alternative to the West Gate Bridge and enhance the link to Sydney via the Hume Freeway. </p> <br />
