Funding cuts to critical transport projects in southeast disappoints GSEM
The Greater South East Melbourne (GSEM) group is disappointed that the Australian Government has abandoned critical road and public transport infrastructure projects in Melbourne’s south east.
More than half a billion dollars’ worth of funding for important projects was scrapped in the October budget, including for the proposed Rowville Rail solution, upgrades to Napoleon Road, the Dorset Road extension, Wellington Road duplication and both the Boronia and the Ferntree Gully commuter car parks.
Greater South East Melbourne Chair Simon McKeon said:
“Despite the $475 million allocated to Rowville Rail being substantially short of the funding required to deliver this critical link, funding should have been set aside for the Caulfield station to Rowville Trackless Tram proposal that received business case funding.”
“A majority of residents in this locality rely on their vehicles to commute to work and to study due to the lack of public transport options to the eastern part of the southeast Melbourne region.”
“Without the funding to upgrade these key linkage roads, residents will face continuing congestion and risk costly damage to vehicles due to the poor condition of overutilised roads.”
“Frequent accidents are worsening congestion, frustrating motorists who are using local roads as rat runs to try to avoid the worst of it.”
“GSEM is disappointed by the funding reversals.”
“Without significant investment in public transport these roads are only going to get worse,” Mr McKeon said.
BACKGROUND
The federal government retracted more than $750 million worth of infrastructure investments promised by the Coalition before the 2022 election.
The promises reversed include:
• Rowville Rail $475 million
• Napoleon Road upgrade $50 million
• Dorset Road extension $80 million
• Wellington Road duplication $110 million
• Boronia commuter car park $20 million
• Ferntree Gully commuter car park $16 million