Road project wants to help

Road project wants to help

West Gate Tunnel management has reached out to Docklands businesses, promising that construction holds significant opportunity for the local economy.

West Gate Tunnel Project business engagement manager Megan Walker told a Docklands Chamber of Commerce meeting on April 11 that expressions of interest for supply were open via the Industry Capability Network.

Pre-empting the assumption that supply would revolve around construction material, Ms Walker told the audience the project was seeking interest from a range of industries, including hospitality.

Ms Walker also said a Workforce Trader Directory would be set up in the coming weeks: “This will open up direct marketing opportunities to our workforce of 6000.”

Other opportunities include participation in open days and project events, and membership of project liaison groups.

At the same time, the audience was promised ongoing and comprehensive communication about traffic changes throughout the construction period.

The project’s extension of Wurundjeri Way to connect with the Western Distributor and Dynon Rd has been a controversial issue in Docklands.

As reported in Docklands News in March, the state government has admitted that the purpose of the extension is to “enable traffic to bypass the city and reduce pressure on Spencer St”.

Greens MP for Melbourne Ellen Sandell said this would “dump thousands more cars into Docklands” and “entrench the segregation of Docklands from the CBD”.

But, pitches to the Chamber of Commerce didn’t dwell on long-term, post-construction traffic changes.

“Keeping you and your customers moving is a key priority during construction,” Ms Walker’s presentation stated.

“Ongoing engagement with local businesses regarding changed traffic conditions and other matters of interest” was assured.

Other than Wurunjderi Way, the project will also involve significant work on Footscray Rd and will locate one of its main construction compounds on the corner of Footscray Rd and Dudley St.

Construction started early this year with completion planned for mid-2022.

It was assured that feedback from local businesses would be considered to plan for construction and minimise impacts, and then provide regular updates about works.

Ms Walker said a number of methods would be used to communicate with local businesses, including forums, meetings, door knocks, phone calls, email, text messages, letters and social media.

The audience was also assured that information would be provided on upcoming works, changed traffic conditions, parking availability, footpath and shared use paths and advice and safety, dust and noise.

Register through the Industry Capability Network Gateway at: https://gateway.icn.org.au/project/3937/cpbjh-jv-west-gate-tunnel-project

The West Gate Tunnel Project can also be contacted 24/7 on the Victoria’s Big Build number 1800 105 105.

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