Melton councillors Lara Carli and Michael Matalewski have refused to support the East West Link until the government devises a “clearer” strategy for the western half of the project.
Melton council planning and development general manager Luke Shannon recommended that councillors write to Premier Denis Napthine, Roads Minister Terry Mulder, and the Opposition’s leader Daniel Andrews and roads spokesman Luke Donnellan advising of the council’s support for the project.
A report presented by Mr Shannon recommended “that council support the decision of the East West Link project and the benefits it will bring to
the city of Melton and the greater western region”.
But Cr Carli said she would not support the “premature” East West Link project.
“If you look at the maps we’ve been given and you look at the eastern section of the east west link, there are solid lines, which to me says they’re going ahead, plans are done … yep, go for it,” she said.
“But when you look at the western section, there’s a dotted line, which shows they’re not really sure; it may go here, it may not.”
The Watts ward councillor said she wouldn’t support the project until she saw plans for the costings.
“I think it’s a bit premature considering we’re now going to an election and unsure of where the opposition stands on this.”
Cr Kathy Majdlik moved that the council act on Mr Shannon’s recommendation, saying any government not supporting the East West Link was “disgraceful”.
“When I see this report, I see people stuck in bad traffic and I’m one of those people who use the Westgate freeway quite frequently,” Cr Majdlik said.
“And sitting in traffic for over an hour and a half to get into the city, which is only 20 kilometres away, is a disgrace.”
The Cambridge ward councillor said the project, or anything similar, was imperative in a community with poor public transport. Councillors Nola Dunn, Bob Turner, Sophie Ramsey and Renata Cugliari supported the motion.
