The State Opposition is demanding that the government release all documents relating to the planned West Gate Distributor road.
Liberal MP Mary Wooldridge last week raised a motion in Parliament requiring the government to table the project’s business case by March 16, as well as traffic, environmental and Aboriginal cultural heritage studies, and advice on compliance with Hobsons Bay and Maribyrnong planning schemes.
“The Premier and those in the government have consistently said that the West Gate Distributor is a shovel-ready project,” she said.
“There is no business case, there have been no traffic studies … there has been no consultation with residents on the section of Hyde Street south of Francis Street at Yarraville, and no consultation with the Hobsons Bay or Maribyrnong councils.”
The government has come under fire for its handling of the project, with claims of a $180 million cost blowout and anger from sports clubs facing the loss of grounds to make way for ramps connecting the port to the West Gate Freeway.
Opposition roads spokesman Ryan Smith said a number of environmental issues also needed to be addressed, including removal of contaminated soil.
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With about 40 homes and businesses potentially facing compulsory acquisition, Opposition Leader Matthew Guy said no one knows whose homes will be demolished.
Western suburbs Liberal MP Bernie Finn accused the government of keeping local residents in the dark.
Western suburbs Labor MP Cesar Melham conceded “significant investigations” were needed to fully scope and cost the project, but he criticised the coalition for abandoning the original plan to get port freight off local roads.
“Further works are required to determine and resolve the impact of any changes that have occurred within the project area since investigations ceased in 2010,” he said.
Roads Minister Luke Donnellan told Parliament he was confident inner-west communities supported the West Gate Distributor.
“They want us to consult, which we will do extensively to ensure that we deliver a viable outcome for that community.”
A spokeswoman for Mr Donnellan said the government would consult widely before the project is released to the market.
