Where’s the evidence?
Eight industry lobby groups have come out publicly in support of Melbourne’s proposed East-West Link. Alan Davies, at The Urbanist, concludes, “On the evidence available, it doesn’t seem like it’s in the best interests of their members”.
The cartel of lobby groups’ MEDIA RELEASE of 21st August raises more questions than it asks. Members of these groups should be concerned that their lobbyists don’t require a business case. The RACV’s extremist position is not even supported by a majority of RACV members.
What they say:
Eight of Victoria’s largest industry and membership organisations have thrown their support behind the East-West Link, saying its construction is essential to Victoria’s long term economic and social development. Stage 1 of the East-West Link will be a vital cog in the state’s road freight network and must be built if Victoria is to retain its position as the nation’s freight logistics capital.
What it means:
This project is about beating other states for more of the freight pie – good for Melbourne freight cartels but hardly in the national interest.
What they say:
Over the next forty years, Victoria’s freight will triple and its containerised trade will quadruple. The only way Victoria will be able to manage this logistical challenge is if a pipeline of major projects such as East-West Link, Metro Rail and the North-East Link are built.
What it means:
The north-east link will be an elevated freeway over the Yarra flats at Heidi. Hardly anyone believes there will be this much growth in consumption without a catastrophe. Four times as much stuff ? What sort of lifestyle is this based on? What would the impact be on the environment? Do they understand what the world’s climate will be like in forty years?
