The state government included $1 million in this year’s budget for the next stage of planning for a new connection between Fishermans Bend and the CBD, including the development of transport and economic assessments of river crossing options.
However, a spokesperson for Ms Allan said the government didn’t currently have any announcements on Metro 2.
Fishermans Bend Business Forum executive officer David Weston said business was looking for a commitment to deliver Metro 2 as soon as the tunneling equipment was finished on Metro 1.
“Fishermans Bend Business Forum believes that without a firm commitment to funding new public transport access to Fishermans Bend, it will not achieve the outcomes that the government is seeking,” he said.
“Melbourne Metro 2, which provides a metro tunnel connecting Southern Cross Station and the city transport network to Fishermans Bend Employment Precinct and the suburbs to the west of the Yarra is a vital early step to invigorate Fishermans Bend Employment Precinct.”
The Property Council of Australia’s Victorian executive director (acting) Matthew Kandelaars said the industry was hoping for a commitment for Fishermans Bend.
“The proper integration of transport and land-use planning is vital to the success of Fishermans Bend as a once-in-a-generation urban renewal project. In particular, its success will rely in large part on the timely delivery of mass transit to the precinct.”
“We would like a commitment to deliver the infrastructure Victoria needs, including significant planning for Melbourne Metro 2 and the Suburban Rail Loop, in the next term of government.”
