VIC: Vic govt unveils $38 billion transport plan

AAP General News (Australia)
12-08-2008
VIC: Vic govt unveils $38 billion transport plan

MELBOURNE, Dec 8 AAP - Two big-ticket road and rail projects recommended by transport
adviser Sir Rod Eddington have been drastically scaled back in the Victorian government's
$38 billion transport blueprint.

The long awaited transport plan was unveiled by Premier John Brumby on Monday, minus
a proposed $8.5 billion cross-city rail tunnel and $9 billion east-west road tunnel.

The two projects were recommended in Sir Rod's transport report and were expected to
form the centrepiece of the government's strategy to unclog Melbourne's congested road
and rail networks.

The transport statement instead contains a smaller $4.5 billion rail tunnel from Dynon,
in Footscray, to Domain in Melbourne's inner south-east, and a $2.5 billion road tunnel
under the Maribyrnong River.

The package also includes a $6 billion north-east road link, $5.4 billion for new trams,
trains and buses, $4 billion for stand-alone regional rail lines to the city, $2.4 billion
to boost the metropolitan train network and $3.1 billion for outer suburban and regional
roads.

Mr Brumby said the plan would create up to 100,000 jobs over its decade-plus life span.

"Our government will deliver key transport projects over the short, medium and long
term that will transform our state," Mr Brumby said.

"We are taking action on transport because we want Victorians to spend less time commuting
and more time with family and friends."

AAP cmb/pmu/tnf

KEYWORD: TRANSPORT VIC UPDATE

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