The Andrews Labor Government has announced another massive package of community upgrades for the inner west as part of the West Gate Tunnel project.
Minister for Roads Luke Donnellan has announced $11 million for sporting grounds, waterways, public reserves and local projects as part of the congestion busting tunnel.
Public open spaces in Brooklyn will benefit from the package including Brooklyn Reserve, DN Duane Reserve, and Rowan Avenue Reserve.
Both Donald McLean Reserve in Spotswood and WLJ Crofts Reserve in Altona North will see improvements to sporting facilities and public open space. The construction of a new sports pavilion at Donald McLean Reserve has already been committed as part of the scope of the West Gate Tunnel.
There’ll also be a package of local improvements for the Maribyrnong City Council including an upgrade to Footscray Wharf and promenade.
In addition, Transport for Victoria will work with local councils to broaden the Millers Road and Williamstown Road traffic studies to provide a more detailed assessment of the transport needs for the City of Hobsons Bay.
The announcement responds to feedback from local councils provided through the Environment Effects Statement (EES) process.
After two years of community consultation, five design revisions, and the most comprehensive planning and approvals process ever conducted for a Victorian road project, the West Gate Tunnel received planning approvals in December last year.
The contract has been signed, construction is underway and the West Gate Tunnel is on track to open in 2022.
Quote attributable to Minster for Roads Luke Donnellan
“The West Gate Tunnel is delivering massive benefits for the inner west – taking more than 9,000 trucks off local roads, creating nine hectares of new public open space and delivering an unprecedented package of upgrades to community facilities across the west.”
Quote attributable to Member for Williamstown Wade Noonan
“This is one of the largest investments in sports facilities in Hobsons Bay in more than a decade.”
Quote attributable to Member for Footscray Marsha Thompson
“People have been talking about upgrading and beautifying the Maribyrnong River for years – we’re getting it done as part of the West Gate Tunnel project.”
Quote attributable Mayor of the City of Maribyrnong Cr Cuc Lam
“We have, and will continue to, advocate for positive community outcomes as we believe the project has benefits for our community as it will remove trucks from our residential streets.”
Quote attributable Mayor of Hobsons Bay Cr Angela Altair
“Today’s announcement will certainly help improve some community infrastructure adjacent to the project corridor and we see that as a good outcome.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020