THE split between Victorian premier-elect Daniel Andrews and Tony Abbott widened yesterday when the Prime Minister vowed to build the nation’s most contentious road and tunnel infrastructure project, despite the Labor leader having campaigned on dumping the project.
A day after Labor comfortably secured office, defeating the one-term Coalition, Mr Abbott promised to fight to build the $7 billion first half of the East West Link through inner Melbourne. The relationship between Victoria and Canberra soured almost immediately as Mr Andrews promised to tear up the contracts for the cross-city road and prepared to release the project’s paperwork.
Mr Abbott declared in a statement that, despite accepting the election result, he would do whatever he could to save the road, which the commonwealth has vowed to spend up to $3bn helping to build.
Declaring his support for defeated Liberal premier Denis Napthine, Mr Abbott said: “I share his commitment to the East West Link and I am determined to do what I can to ensure this vital national infrastructure project proceeds to completion.’’
source: theaustralian.com.au
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