The Andrews Labor Government is delivering on the promise we made to Victorians at last year’s election – improving air quality in Melbourne’s inner western suburbs by modernizing truck fleets and sealing local roads.
As part of a $20 million package, $15 million will target truck operators who regularly use inner western roads and make grants available to support a transition to trucks that produce fewer emissions.
A further $5 million in grants will be made available to local councils to seal local roads, reducing dust pollution.
The Labor Government is already taking action to reduce air pollution through our nation-leading investments in climate change and renewable energy.
Our Zero Emissions Vehicle Roadmap is supported by a $100 million investment to ensure Victoria is a leader in adopting zero emissions vehicles.
Melbourne’s inner west experiences significantly higher volumes of heavy vehicle traffic than other parts of Melbourne due to its high concentration of industrial uses, including empty container parks, and its proximity to the Port of Melbourne.
The Labor Government is working with community and industry to reduce the environmental impact of heavy vehicles, while making roads safer for pedestrians by lowering speed limits and banning trucks on some roads.
The completion of the West Gate Tunnel Project in 2025 and the introduction of truck bans will remove 9,000 trucks from roads in the inner west and cut congestion for local communities.
The Government also continues to implement Clean Air for all Victorians, the state’s first overarching air quality strategy. We’ve invested $2.8 million to establish two air quality improvement precincts in the Inner West and Outer West of Melbourne, reducing air pollution and address emerging environmental challenges, in partnership with the community and business.
The Labor Government is investing $20 billion in transformational projects in Melbourne’s west, making it an even better place to live and work.
For more details, visit dtp.vic.gov.au/ports-and-freight/clean-air-for-the-inner-west.
Quote attributable to Minister for Ports and Freight Melissa Horne
“We promised we’d make air cleaner in Melbourne’s inner west and that’s what we’re doing: replacing emissions-heavy old trucks and sealing roads to reduce dust pollution.”
Quote attributable to Minister for Environment Ingrid Stitt
“Through this important package and the implementation of our Air Quality Strategy, we’re taking action to improve air quality and tackle pollution in the west.”
Ends.
Media contact: melissa.horne@parliament.vic.gov.au
