Tuesday, 15 October 2019

In reply to  Mr BARTON (Eastern Metropolitan) (28 August 2019)

Mr WYNNE (Richmond—Minister for Housing, Minister for Multicultural Affairs, Minister for Planning):

I thank the Member for his question about prioritising the planning and construction of the Doncaster Busway element of the North East Link Project.

As the Member would be aware, the North East Link Environment Effects Statement (EES) is currently the subject of an inquiry and advisory committee, which is holding public hearings until 16 September 2019. Local businesses, residents and stakeholders have made submissions on the EES, and those submitters that choose to will present at the hearings.

I expect the new busway to improve the Doncaster Area Rapid Transit services will be an important part of Melbourne’s public transport system. Ongoing operation of bus services will, no doubt, be one of the key considerations in managing traffic during construction of the project.

I look forward to receiving the inquiry and advisory committee’s report to consider when preparing my assessment of the environmental effects of the project. My assessment will then be considered by project decision-makers.