Committee welcomes ‘East-West’ Terms of Reference [01.03.2007]
The Committee for Melbourne has welcomed Premier Bracks’ announcement today of Terms of Reference for the East-West Needs Assessment.
Committee for Melbourne supports the State Government's initiative, led by Sir Rod Eddington, to generate the best possible transportation solution for linking Melbourne’s East and West.
“The Committee for Melbourne congratulates the State Government on being open and receptive to the array of ideas and expertise present in Melbourne that can contribute towards the generation of new transportation solutions,” says Mr. David Teller, Acting CEO of the Committee for Melbourne.
“In the interest of generating the best possible solution, we would encourage contributors to the Assessment to maintain a high-level focus on the ideal long-term transport outcomes that will support the growth and liveability of our city ,” says Mr. Teller.
A submission reflecting the Committee’s policy will be made to Sir Rod through the Transport Taskforce forum which was established in 2004 to address the rising economic and lifestyle costs of congestion.
The Committee’s Transport Taskforce policy positioning statements emphasise transport congestion as a major limitation on Melbourne’s future growth. In 2005, the Taskforce warned that the cost of congestion in Melbourne would double from $4 billion annually to $8 billion by 2015 with over 60 per cent costs to business, the freight industry in particular. The Committee for Melbourne’s strategic goals include encouraging a competitive business sector and enhancing Melbourne’s liveability.