The new Labor State Government has said that they are determined to extend the Eastern Freeway to Ringwood. As many informed people know, this is in spite of the fact that an Environmental Effects Statement has never been done for the current proposal. A previous EES was done a long time ago (in 1987), however the project under consideration in that EES is completely different from what is being proposed now (for example, the freeway will have six lanes, not four, and projected vehicle numbers are very different). For that reason the previous EES has no standing for making considerations about the extension to the Eastern Freeway that is planned at this time.

It would be most improper to build such a large scale piece of infrastructure without a relevant EES.

The Anti Ring Road Organisation is opposed to the extension of the Eastern Freeway. We believe that in the long term this freeway—if it goes ahead—will cause many more problems than it will solve. At the moment world oil prices are starting to climb steeply after several years at record low levels. Many economists think that this steep upward climb will be a permanent and central feature of the world economy as the demand for oil outstrips its supply.1 Surely in such a situation we should reconsider our commitment to road building.

ARRO is also worried that the extension of the Eastern Freeway will make the construction of the Eastern Ring Road more likely. Plans for the Ring Road show that part of the route will be along the extension of the Eastern Freeway. We also believe that the extra car traffic that will undoubtedly be caused by extending the freeway will create pressure for the construction of the Ring Road.

ARRO greatly respects and values the Mullum Mullum Creek and valley. It would be terrible if this environmental treasure were destroyed to make yet more space for cars. Some people hope that if the long tunnel option is adopted it will lessen the damage that the freeway causes to the creek and valley (as well as to its valuable flora and fauna). However it is not clear if and how the long tunnel option will be implemented should the freeway extension project go ahead. It still will leave many serious environmental questions unanswered, such as :—

Will there be vent stacks? If so, where will they be put?

What implications will this have for the air quality of the valley and surrounding area?

What exact route will be used?

What technique will be used to bore the tunnel and what effect will it have on the surface?

What noise and vibration effects will there be on the valley and surrounding areas?

What disturbances will the construction and operation of the freeway have on the flora, fauna and ecology of the valley?
 

 Stephen Clendinnen, Spokesperson

References

1 See Colin Campbell, “How secure is our oil supply? Dealing with limited oil reserves”, Science Spectra, 12, 1998, pp. 18–24; Brian J. Fleay, The Decline of the Age of Oil. Petrol Politics: Australia’s Role Ahead, Annandale, NSW, Pluto Press, 1995; James Srodes, “The oil shock to come”, The Age, 7 September 1998; and further references at www.dieoff.org
 

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