Victorian Political News		www.robertclark.net

IT'S TIME FOR NEW PROJECTS AS CONSTRUCTION SLOWS

News Release - Friday, 15 December, 2000

Today's ABS dwelling commencement figures highlight the need for the Bracks Government to identify and commit to new major projects for Victoria, Shadow Major Projects Minister, Robert Clark, said today.

The total number of private sector dwellings commenced in Victoria has fallen 25 per cent from 11,330 in the September quarter 1999 to 8551 in the September quarter 2000.

These figures come on top of previous ABS figures showing a 20 per cent fall in the value of total building approvals and a 35 per cent fall in the value of residential building in the year to September.

"With successful Kennett Government major projects such as the new Museum, Federation Square, and State Library refurbishment nearing completion or well advanced, now is the time the Labor Government should be identifying and committing to potential new major projects of economic or social benefit to Victoria," Mr Clark said.

"What has happened to the Showgrounds refurbishment, to which the Coalition Government pledged $50 million, or to proposals to expand the highly successful Melbourne Exhibition Centre and to construct a 5000 seat plenary hall - something the state's convention industry has repeatedly called for?

"There has been more than a year's delay in any progress on Northbank, and the Bracks Government won't even commit to getting the project started by demolishing the Flinders Street overpass.

"To date Premier Bracks has been all talk and no action. There has not been a single new major building project committed to by the Bracks Labor government since coming to office.

"Premier Bracks has simply continued with projects set in train by the Kennett government, such as the bridge over Collins Street to the Docklands and the Spencer Street Station upgrade.

"The government must identify, plan and commence specific new projects now, which can take the place of completed Coalition government major projects.

"If the Labor government fails to act now, it will open a gap in capital works projects and make it that much harder to try to come from behind later to revive the Victorian construction industry in a downturn.

"It makes good sense for taxpayers, as well as the Victorian economy and jobs, for the govern- ment to schedule worthwhile major projects when the construction industry has spare capacity."