Footscray’s economic potential in the spotlight.
Fri, Apr 4 2008

Dr Pieter Nagel, Director of Victoria University’s Institute for Logistics and Supply Chain Management ( ILSCM) has welcomed the release of Sir Rod Eddington’s $18b transport blueprint for Melbourne, as it gives significant recognition, not only to transport challenges facing the western region of Melbourne, but to those faced by Footscray in particular.

Dr Nagel said, “While Sir Rod Eddington’s recommendations are now open for detailed discussion, I am pleased that they broadly provide for the development of macro infrastructure solutions. These suggested solutions will not only resolve some of the major transport challenges, but also create an infrastructure framework that will support and further enhance the enormous economic development potential of the west, and in particular, Footscray.”

“The position taken by Eddington is fully in line with the view of the Institute of Logistics and Supply Chain management and we will continue to support the vision that Footscray can be centre stage in what would become Melbourne’s connectivity grid.”

“The report recommends an 18 kilometre tunnel connection between the Eastern Freeway and the Western suburbs. This tunnel concept was central to our ILSCM submission to the Eddington study. I am excited about the fact that this tunnel proposal is included in the report, and that it clearly recommends that the tunnel should not give access to the CBD, as that is not the purpose of the tunnel in the first place as it is intended to facilitate east west connection, rather than city access.”

“There is an indication that there will be a staged development of the tunnel. It needs to be ensured that stage one does not stop at CityLink, but really does connect Footscray to the eastern freeway.”

Dr Nagel said “The recommended 17 kilometre underground rail link between Footscray and Caulfield emphasises the ILSCM position that Footscray holds the potential for significant economic development.”

Dr Pieter Nagel is available for interview, contact 0412 505 849.