The proposed Western Distributor freeway could destroy open space in the inner west without removing trucks from local roads, a parliamentary committee has heard.
Three local groups made the claims about Transurban’s $5.5 billion project to the Victorian Parliament’s economy and infrastructure committee.
Friends of Stony Creek president Steve Wilson told the committee the grassroots group started work on Stony Creek Reserve in 2003, transforming the former municipal tip and wasteland into “thriving parkland”.
Mr Wilson said Transurban’s original Westgate option, with a southern portal in the existing freeway corridor, would have only minor impact on Stony Creek, compared to the Hyde option, which would include a freeway fly-over and ramps that would fragment the parkland and impact existing flora and fauna.
“An acceptable design response would build upon and enhance this value, not diminish it,” Mr Wilson said.
Scott Ellerton, of Concerned Locals of Yarraville, said the initial proposal was “reasonably well received” by the community, but the updated option, preferred by the state government, brought the portal too close to residents, cut limited green space and added to pollution and noise concerns.
Transurban chief Scott Charlton was yesterday scheduled to provide the committee with an update on the progress of the project.
The state government on Monday called for residents to nominate for the project’s community liaison group.
Applications close March 18. Visit www.westerndistributorproject.vic.gov.au
