North East Link protesters banner drop over Eastern Freeway in Bulleen
Activists are protesting the construction of the North East Link, which they say will only cause more congestion. Instead they want to see increased public transport around Melbourne. Do you agree?
East
Don't miss out on the headlines from East . Followed categories will be added to My News.
North East Link protesters are pushing for more public transport instead of roads and traffic jams ahead of the start of the major road’s construction.
The group, made up of Friends of Banyule, Friends of the Earth Melbourne and the Warringal Conservation Society, has been hanging an anti-North East Link banner over a footbridge over the Eastern Freeway in Bulleen, to protest roads over rail.
The banner refers to the road development as a $16 billion “traffic jam”, and protesters believe the move will “condemn” Melbourne to constant freeway upgrades.
Group spokesman Don Stokes said North East Link would create another traffic nightmare, while forever consigning Doncaster rail to the history books of “unrealised transport infrastructure” projects.
“It’s far cheaper to put together a comprehensive public transport plan in the area and that would be sustainable and address the core of the problem,” he said.
“Focusing on roads condemns Melbourne to perpetual freeway upgrades, it’s taking us in the wrong direction and locking us in that direction.”
Mr Stokes said congestion was the real issue and people wanted quick fixes.
“It’s got to the point where people are screaming out for instant gratification and that’s partly due to decades of neglect of public transport infrastructure,” he said.
North East Link project chief executive Duncan Elliott said the development would include dedicated bus lanes supporting Melbourne’s busiest routes.
MORE NEWS: ANGER AS ROAD GETS GREEN-LIGHT
ALTERNATIVE INTERCHANGE PROPOSAL
“The project will also deliver new and better connected walking and cycling paths and park and ride facilities making it quicker and easier for people to access public transport across the east,” he said.
“The project will improve the way this valuable piece of freeway space caters for future growth for decades to come.”
State Government spokeswoman Julia Donovan said $70 billion of investment in transport infrastructure would deliver level crossing removals, more bus services, a dedicated bus lane along the Eastern Freeway and the Suburban Rail Loop.