ATN: Toll’s MD weighs in on East-West Link debate. 27 October 2014

Brian Kruger seeks an audience with state opposition leader Daniel Andrews

Toll’s MD weighs in on East-West Link debate

Brian Kruger is concerned about the ALP’s East-West Link plans.

Toll Holdings chose Tullamarine as the location of its new $200 million freight centre in Melbourne with the planned East-West Link top of mind.

As such, the Labor Opposition’s plan to scrap the freeway if it wins the Victorian election on November 29 has the company’s leadership concerned.

Managing director Brian Kruger described the policy as “frustrating” to the ABC’s 7.30 Victoria program.

“We based the decision off what we thought was a commitment of the government and I guess we hadn’t expected that a potential government change may change that decision,” he says.

He says he planned to contact opposition leader Daniel Andrews to voice that frustration personally.

“We’re obviously only one player in the whole debate, but I’ll certainly make sure our voice is heard.”

A spokesperson for Labor says the party’s position on East-West Link is clear and meeting further stakeholders in the project would not be a priority until after the election.

“If we are successful in November, Daniel will aim to have discussions, but right now – we are in campaign mode,” he said.