At the Yarra Campaign for Action on Public Transport (Ycat) recent Annual Campaign Meeting the Doncaster Rail Campaign was unanimously endorsed as Ycat’s priority for 2012 – 2013.

This commits Ycat to actively campaign for the core option in the Doncaster Rail Study, which is rapid transit rail down the meridian strip on the Eastern Freeway, and oppose the State Government’s current plans for an East – West Toll Road Link and Tunnel.  Our campaign objective is to ensure that the federal Department of Infrastructure funds the Doncaster Rail Link down the Eastern Freeway and not the state government’s preferred option for an East – West Toll Road and Tunnel Link.

We will act, in collaboration, with member groups, transport and environmental groups and the community from East to West.  As members of the Steering Committee for the City of Yarra’s Transport Advocacy Campaign we will actively campaign with, as part of and in collaboration with the City of Yarra’s Campaign.

There are two other recent developments, which need to be noted and monitored.  Firstly, the State Government has flagged that the tunnel may be replaced with “flyovers” on Alexandra Parade as a more cost effective option.  These would be similar to those already built in the east of Melbourne.  This will effectively be an “aerial freeway” probably over the existing road with several off-ramps to take cars directly into central Melbourne.  This option is strongly supported by prospective PPPs as the best option as they consider it will make the toll road more financially viable.  The exact location of these off ramps is not yet know. Continue Reading…