Presented by Robert Clark MP		www.robertclark.net

IT'S TIME TO REMOVE FLINDERS ST OVERPASS

News Release - Sunday 10 December, 2000

The Flinders Street overpass over Kings Way should be demolished to revitalise the north bank of the Yarra River, Opposition Leader Denis Napthine said today.

Dr Napthine said the demolition would help reinvigorate a badly run down section of Flinders Street and open up access to the river.

"For years the Flinders Street overpass has been a blight on the city," he said.

"With the improvement of other traffic routes through the city and with the City Link Burnley tunnel to open soon, we now have a marvellous opportunity to get rid of this eye-sore and take an important step in reviving Melbourne's river front.

"We can transform this area from its current dirty and run-down condition into one which is vibrant and provides both cosmopolitan activity and parkland to enjoy the riverside.

"Under the Coalition Government, a lot of work was done on options for Northbank. That included demolishing the Flinders Street overpass in anticipation of City Link's opening.

"However, under the Bracks Government all this has ground to a halt. The Premier spoke of the idea a few months ago but nothing has happened since.

"As with so much under the present Government, there has been a lot of talk but little action.

Now is the time to get on with it, and start producing some actual results that provide real and immediate benefits to Victorians."

The Shadow Minister for Major Projects, Robert Clark, said that the recent Hanover Design Competition had provided a further demonstration of the potential to transform the Northbank area, even with the railway viaduct remaining. However, it would be almost impossible to achieve a good outcome without removing the road overpass.

"If we get on with removing the overpass now, this will provide the community with both immediate and ongoing benefits while the Government makes up its mind what to do next with the rest of the Northbank.

"It will also demonstrate the potential which this part of Melbourne has, and thus help build support for the further transformation of Northbank."

Mr Clark said that returning Flinders Street and Kings Way to an at-grade intersection could be achieved with synchronisation of traffic lights along Kings Way at Flinders Street, Flinders Lane and Collins Street, thus minimising the effect on Kings Way traffic.