Liberal Senator the Hon Scott Ryan has welcomed the Australian Government’s commitment to reduce congestion and improve travel times in Melbourne’s north-east.

As part of the Australian Government’s $1.5 billion Victorian Infrastructure Package, $15 million will be spent on transport planning, including on the future North-East Link. This funding will look at the best way to ease congestion and improve travel times for commuters and businesses.

This announcement shows the Liberal Party is following through with its election commitment to conduct a feasibility study into the North-East Link.

“I welcome this funding, which will be used to look at options to reduce congestion and ease traffic in the busy north-east of Melbourne,” Senator Ryan said.

“Commuters, truck drivers and couriers have told us about the congestion in this part of our city, especially on Rosanna Road. The Liberal Party is listening and we are following through on our election commitment to get the north-east moving.”

“I welcome Victorian Liberal leader Matthew Guy’s commitment to get on with building the East-West Link and the North-East Link, unlike the Andrews Government.”

“I also note that after six years as a senior Labor government minister, Jenny Macklin, did nothing to progress the North-East Link.”

Federal Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Darren Chester said the Australian Government had listened to the concerns of the community during the 2016 election and were now delivering on their promise to improve Victoria’s transport network.

“We have consistently said we would work with communities and all levels of government to deliver a stronger, safer transport network for Victoria, and these vital upgrades are the outcome of those discussions,” Mr Chester said. “This road and rail infrastructure funding will change lives and save lives.

For further information on the Australian Government’s investment in Victorian infrastructure, visit http://investment.infrastructure.gov.au/.