The Andrews Labor Government is teaming up with the City of Melbourne to revitalise local roads and public space in West Melbourne.
Treasurer Tim Pallas today joined City of Melbourne Lord Mayor Sally Capp to announce an historic $100 million package – with $50 million from the City of Melbourne and $50 million from the Victorian Government – the largest dollar for dollar streetscape upgrade package in Melbourne’s history.
The package will improve traffic flow and public space in West Melbourne and be rolled out alongside new parklands in Moonee Ponds Creek as part of an expanded Master Plan, while the Labor Government delivers the West Gate Tunnel and other major transport projects.
The West Gate Tunnel will extend Wurundjeri Way, creating a new city bypass and taking thousands of cars off CBD streets.
To make the most of these changes, a joint City of Melbourne and Transport for Victoria study will identify a package of amenity improvements.
The study will look at improvements to areas including Spencer, King and William streets and the Arden Street precinct, traffic in north and west Melbourne, and better access from North Melbourne to the Docklands.
New parkland and open space along Moonee Ponds Creek will also be created to provide improved recreational areas and an expanded Master Plan will map out how the catchment can be better utilised and reach its full potential as an important recreational and biodiversity corridor.
The announcement responds to council and community feedback provided through the Environment Effects Statement (EES) process for the West Gate Tunnel project and goes beyond the requirements of the EES to improve local traffic and public spaces.
The Labor Government has also announced $11 million for community upgrades to the inner west that are being delivered as part of the West Gate Tunnel project.
Quote attributable to Treasurer Tim Pallas
“This partnership with Melbourne City Council will revitalise public space and improve traffic flow in West Melbourne while we get on with the West Gate Tunnel.”
Quote attributable to Lord Mayor Sally Capp
“Through this partnership we will see enhanced streetscapes rolled out across important roads in West Melbourne while also creating an improved Moonee Ponds Creek for residents and visitors to enjoy.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020