Vic: Federal Govt urged to contribute to major freeway

AAP General News (Australia)
08-08-2000
Vic: Federal Govt urged to contribute to major freeway

MELBOURNE, Aug 8 AAP - The Victorian government today called upon the federal government
to contribute funds for the construction of the $960 million Scoresby freeway in Melbourne's
south-east.

Construction of the road, linking the Eastern and Frankston freeways, could start in 2002.

"I'm pleased to announce the Bracks Labor government's commitment to the Scoresby freeway
and our funding commitment to that freeway," acting Transport Minister Justin Madden told
reporters.

"We're looking to the federal government to also commit their funding to the freeway
as part of a road system of national importance."

The Victorian government wants the commonwealth to declare the Scoresby freeway a road
of national importance and to join Victoria in funding construction on a 50/50 basis.

Mr Madden said Victoria wanted $65 million from the Commonwealth to match state funds
for construction of stage one of the freeway, between Ringwood and the Burwood Highway.

Private investment in the freeway would also be sought, Mr Madden said.

No tolls would be imposed on users of the road.

Mr Madden said the Scoresby freeway would be an "enormous project" in terms of infrastructure
and economic development in Melbourne's south-east.

AAP tsc/er/cjh

KEYWORD: FREEWAY

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