The Victorian Government today called for expressions of interest for the toll-free Peninsula Link, to ensure the project starts by the end of the year.
The Premier, John Brumby, said the Peninsula Link project not only would deliver a vital new transport link for Melbourne’s south-eastern suburbs and the Mornington Peninsula, it would provide 4000 direct jobs and significant economic stimulus for the state and national economy.
“This is a crucial project for the future of the south-eastern suburbs and the Mornington Peninsula. Importantly, the Peninsula Link project will create thousands of jobs – critical as we steer our way through the Global Financial Crisis,” Mr Brumby said.
The Minister for Roads and Ports, Tim Pallas, said the Victorian Government was proposing to have the project delivered under an Availability Public Private Partnership (PPP).
Mr Pallas said the Availability PPP model would ensure the road remained toll-free while harnessing the benefits of private sector involvement, including faster delivery and the use of innovative construction techniques similar to those on EastLink.
“Under this model, the Government will make periodic payments to a private company based on key performance indicators – the model is not based on traffic usage and instead seeks the greatest road performance for the community with the best value for money,” he said.
Mr Pallas said the EOI release meant early works on the project would commence at the project’s Lathams Road overpass, with the main contractor expected to be on the ground by the end of the year and the project to be completed by early 2013.
“Once completed, Peninsula Link will slash travel times between Carrum Downs and Mount Martha to around 17 minutes – a saving of up to 40 minutes,” he said.
“Peninsula Link will significantly reduce congestion on busy roads such as the Frankston Freeway and Moorooduc Highway, including removing the bottleneck at Frankston and avoiding eight signalised intersections and five roundabouts on the current route.
“Pedestrians and cyclists are also big winners with a cycling and walking path to be built along the freeway, providing new recreational opportunities for residents and visitors to the region.”
Mr Pallas said the Environment Effects Statement (EES) for Peninsula Link was an important process that required completion before construction commences.
“The outcomes of the EES are anticipated around the middle of this year and will determine the range of social and environmental mitigation measures in the final project,” he said.
The EOI is available at www.tenders.vic.gov.au and will close on Tuesday, 5 May, 2009.
Submitted by Mark Bowmer on Tuesday March 31st 2009 12:36pm
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