Don’t block this tunnel

G21 chief says pollies’ ploy will make life harder for Geelong

THE head of the Geelong Region Alliance has urged work to continue on the West Gate Tunnel, following a Liberal and Greens attempt to scupper the project.

G21 chief executive Elaine Carbines voiced concerns with project delays after Victoria’s Liberal and Greens parties in the upper house moved to revoke planning permission for the project on Wednesday — halting the project.

While work on the tunnel restarted yesterday after a state government planning scheme amendment, Ms Carbines reiterated the importance of the West Gate Bridge alternative, which is set to cut 20 minutes off GeelongMelbourne travel time.

“Finally we have a solution within reach and, frustratingly, it looks about to be whisked away from the people of Gee- long,” Ms Carbines said. She said the blocking action would further delay a much-needed solution.

“People have already waited too long for action on the growing West Gate traffic bottleneck.”

Ms Carbines said the project was vital to the continued growth of Geelong.

“The tunnel project must go ahead to meet the future needs of people and businesses in Geelong and the G21 region,” she said. “Traffic congestion is already significantly impacting commuter and business access to Melbourne. This has economic and social impacts for our region.

“The current congestion is a disincentive to economic investment within our region, hindering the flow and viability of our products and goods trade.”

Roads Minister Luke Donnellan hit out at the Liberals and Greens yesterday.

“We will not let the LiberalGreen coalition sack these workers, roll back our truck bans and deny everyone who relies on the West Gate Bridge the congestion relief they urgently need — we’re getting on with this vital project,” he said.

“Matthew Guy should start listening to the business community and for once in his leadership stand up to David Davis who is running an unhinged crusade against this urgently needed project.”