New Vic transport plan crucial for survival of skilled local jobs

Victoria’s ability to provide sustainable, skilled jobs for working people would be threatened if the State Government did not act on recommendations to build two new tunnels under Melbourne, the Australian Workers’ Union said today.

AWU Victoria Secretary Cesar Melhem said the AWU whole-heartedly supported the recommendations to create an 18-kilometre road tunnel to connect the Eastern Freeway to the Tullamarine Freeway, and a 17-kilometre rail tunnel from Footscray to Caulfield.

"Hundreds of thousands of Victorian jobs depend on good transport links, so it is crucial that the Brumby Government continues to invest in new transport infrastructure," Mr Melhem said.

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"Pressure on existing roads is only going to increase with Melbourne's population projected to increase by one million in the next 30 years.

"With no change to existing infrastructure, travel times compared to Sydney and Brisbane will continue to rise, threatening Victoria's capacity to maintain and expand its export market."

Mr Melhem said the AWU's large membership base in Melbourne's Western Suburbs had historically been deprived of good public transport links, and would welcome the proposal for the rail tunnel and for a new rail connection linking the Werribee line to Sunshine.

"We believe that any environmental concerns about the tunnel projects can be worked through," Mr Melhem said.

Mr Melhem said the AWU would support the Government setting up public-private partnerships for the funding of the tunnels, similar to that which had occurred for the East-Link project.

"AWU members and construction workers generally have delivered the EastLink project on time and on budget while receiving world-class pay and conditions," Mr Melhem said.

"Building the new tunnels would provide thousands of jobs to a skilled workforce capable of achieving world's best outcomes."