The state government has been accused of creating another suburb in Wyndham without addressing existing infrastructure and growth problems.
Premier Denis Napthine and Planning Minister Matthew Guy last week unveiled a precinct structure plan for East Werribee, which includes a long-awaited employment precinct. The new suburb will be home to about 20,000 residents and is expected to provide about 58,000 jobs.
The master plan includes construction of a diamond freeway interchange at Sneydes Road, arterial road duplications, and work on the intersection of Hoppers Lane and the Princes Highway.
There is also a proposed railway station to be built between Hoppers Crossing and Werribee some time after 2025.
But local MPs said the government hadn’t done enough to ensure the suburb had adequate infrastructure.
Tarneit Labor MP Tim Pallas said it was unacceptable that the proposed Derrimut Road railway station was a long-term project, and nearby Hoppers Crossing station would be unable to cope with the increase in patronage.
Altona Labor MP Jill Hennessy also questioned how well East Werribee would be serviced by public transport. “Much of the transport component of the development hinges upon the adequate provision of fast and frequent bus services,’’ she said.
‘‘Given that the current bus services in the area are inadequate for the community, as well as ever increasing congestion on our roads, it is hard to believe this government is capable of delivering this service.”
Ms Hennessy said poor public transport links would force people into their cars and onto the road, adding to traffic problems in Wyndham and on the West Gate Bridge.
Dr Napthine said East Werribee residents would have sufficient access to public transport, with bus services planned for the area and the impending construction of the Regional Rail Link allowing more trains to operate on the Werribee line.
He said few residents would need to leave the new suburb due to local job creation.
