The importance of this commitment can not be understated.  Victoria’s economic growth, trade opportunities and liveability will be compromised if we fail to address the strain that population and economic growth is already placing on many parts of our transport system, including our roads, public transport network and ports. 

A recent report by Infrastructure Australia put the cost of delays on Melbourne’s transport network at $3 billion in 2011.  While this figure is concerning, more alarming is the fact that if our transport capacity is not increased, these costs will triple to $9 billion in 2031.

The cost of transport congestion is felt throughout our community.  It is not just about the inconvenience of arriving at a destination a few minutes late.  Congestion means delays in products getting to customers, and the late arrival of supplies to manufacturers and construction sites.  It results in international visitors being caught in traffic rather than enjoying our events and attractions, or tourists deciding against visiting our regions because it simply takes too long to get there.  It even means a salesperson has to cut back on their client visits, and a jobseeker is forced to decline a position because they cannot justify the travel time and costs.

Congestion results in not only wasted time, but increased uncertainty, lost business and missed opportunities. If we are to build our status as a world-class exporter and investment destination, creating jobs in the process, infrastructure must be at the top of the reform agenda.

The Andrews Government has made a strong start in tackling Victoria’s infrastructure problems during its first year in office. The level crossing removal program has begun; the widening of CityLink and the Tullamarine Freeway is underway; and the Melbourne Metro Rail project is progressing, with consultation and planning.

While this progress is encouraging, as we move into 2016 there is much more that must be done if we are to stave off the threat congestion presents to Victoria’s liveability and economic future.

Now that a Board for Infrastructure Victoria has been appointed, it is time to get on with the job of independently assessing and making decisive recommendations on Victoria’s future infrastructure priorities.  The new Board must be given the resources to do the job properly, without fear or favour, and push infrastructure planning beyond the short-term political cycle for the benefit of all Victorians.

A decision must soon be made on the proposal from Transurban to build and operate its Western Distributor project.  First announced publicly in April, this tunnel and elevated road stands to not only get trucks off local roads, but provide the much-needed alternative river crossing that Melbourne has needed for so long.  This will also ease pressure on the West Gate Bridge and improve access to the Port of Melbourne.  Victorian Chamber is a strong and vocal supporter of real world and achievable solutions that will address Victoria’s transport needs.

The Melbourne Metro rail project must be delivered on time and on budget, with appropriate community consultation.  The lease of the Port of Melbourne must be expedited in order to free up much-needed funding for other important projects.  The Murray Basin Rail Project must progress beyond the initial maintenance works.

Victorian Chamber is encouraged by the recent announcement from the Turnbull Government that Victoria can retain the $1.5 billion set aside for the East West Link for a broader range of infrastructure projects.  While these projects will still require agreement between the state and federal governments, we trust this decision will be the precursor of a more cooperative approach that shifts the infrastructure agenda up a gear.

We must progress the infrastructure projects our state needs in order to maintain our reputation as a great place to live, work and do business.