VTA backs Pallas on Auslink 2 but raises ring road omission

The Victorian Transport Association (VTA) has backed the State Government’s $11.5bn road and rail infrastructure Auslink 2 vision. Chief executive Philip Lovel said funding for roads and ports minister Tim Pallas’s proposals was necessary and urged the Federal Government to &#8220look at the Victorian road funding as part of the whole picture&#8221. &#8220Our Victorian economy is reliant on being able to move freight quickly and cost-effectively and this in turn, affects the national economy significantly,&#8221 Mr Lovel said. The broader picture is that improving Victoria’s roads will assist the connections of freight logistics systems across the whole of the supply chain. 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. &#8220The 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 &#8211 this is about the future viability of Australian industries that create the freight and generate economic wealth,&#8221 Mr Lovel said. Mr Pallas’s National Transport Links &#8211 Growing Victoria’s Economy proposal listed 30 priority projects, including a Western Ring Road upgrade. &#8220The projects must be underpinned by a complete transport infrastructure plan for Victoria and Australia,&#8221 Mr Lovel said. &#8220The 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.&#8221 Mr Lovel pointed out that, of the 30 proposed transport projects, there was no mention of a &#8220North-East&#8221 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.

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