If you have other issues for the FRA, please contact me. 

Geoff Barbour
President
9419 1425
 

FREEWAY THROUGH FITZROY?
 

Late in 2000 the Minister for Transport announced a study aimed at traffic "congestion" in Alexandra Parade, Princes Street and the western end of the Eastern Freeway. It was said that much of that traffic is headed for Tullamarine Airport. Resident groups fear that a tunnel under Royal Park is mooted, together with largescale roadworks to facilitate vast increases of traffic through Fitzroy, Carlton and Collingwood.

A study group has been established by the Minister, including Yarra and Melbourne Councils, to be chaired by Department of Infrastructure. According to a Melbourne University transport expert, Dr Paul Mees, this is the classic methodology used by Vicroads whenever it wants a finding that another freeway is needed.

FRA is represented on the Study's Community Reference Group by our President, Geoff Barbour, and is strongly advocating for public transport solutions to our area's traffic problems, not a revival of Vicroads freeway plans.

Surveys of traffic carried out for the study during 2001 in fact show that less than 5% of Eastern Freeway vehicles are heading for Tullamarine, and most of the cars are heading to the city or inner suburbs. In other words, better public transport along the Eastern Freeway could at least stem the deluge of cars into our area.

Fitzroy Residents' Association believes that the best way to get to Tullamarine Airport would be by express rail, yet the Minister announced in January 2002 that this was no longer under consideration. We call on the state government to build a fast airport train before any further work is done on freeways through Fitzroy.

This study has gone quiet, with no meeting of the Community consultation group called since September 2002. Check out the official Study web site at  www.doi.vic.gov.au/innernorth
for public consultation details, etc
 
 
 
 
 
 

For further information on these or any other issues please contact the FRA.