The Port of Melbourne handles around 2 million containers each year. There are approximately 9,000 truck movements in and out of the Port of Melbourne area each day.
In his report, Sir Rod Eddington estimated that if rail’s share of freight transport does not improve significantly, by 2035 there will be at least 18,000 truck movements to and from the port every day.
He has made a number of recommendations to improve freight handling including:
- improving amenity in the inner west by implementing a Truck Action Plan
- taking action to improve rail’s share of freight
- Giving the Port of Melbourne overall responsibility for implanting an intermodal hub network in Melbourne
- Permit the introduction of high productivity freight vehicles on designated routes
Public Transport in Victoria is facing real challenges. Parts of the rail network are nearing capacity, more and more people are turning to buses to connect with transport hubs and road congestion is making tram and bus travel more difficult.
Sir Rod has recommended a number of large projects which he believes will increase capacity and improve public transport in Melbourne’s east and west including:
- a new generation, 17km rail tunnel linking Melbourne’s western and south eastern suburbs
- bringing forward a new rail connection between Werribee and Sunshine (the Tarneit link) to improve services from Werribee, Geelong, Ballarat and Bendigo
- the electrification of the rail network to Sunbury
- a major boost to planned improvements to buses in the Doncaster area
- the development of a dedicated fund to introduce more Park and Ride facilities
- A number of links to improve cross city cycle connections
It is estimated that road congestion costs Victoria up to $2.6 billion each year. This figure could double or triple within the next 10 – 15 years if congestion isn’t addressed.
Sir Rod Eddington has recommended a new road transport link, from the west to the east of Melbourne, which he says could provide a long-term alternative to the West Gate Bridge. He has recommended staged construction the 18 kilometre cross city connection.
