(Unfortunately, it has not been possible to continue this page beyond September 2000.  However, State Opposition Media Releases and news releases, articles, speeches etc by Robert Clark are continuing, as well as pages on Robert Clark's portfolio areas.  See also our News Links page.)

2000

Collins Street extension brought forward

The Docklands Authority will now fund the construction of a bridge to extend Collins Street to the Docklands waterfront at a cost of about $35 million, with building to begin next year and be completed by late 2002.  The bridge was previously to have been funded by developers of the Batmans Hill precinct of Docklands. (3 July)

Support for Essendon airport

The Opposition has supported moves to keep Essendon airport open. (23 June)

Road Blackspot program launched

The Government has launched its promised $240m Statewide Blackspot Program funded from motorists' TAC contributions, with the Minister for Transport calling for community input to the program. (Proposals can be nominated on-line.) (9 June)

Public transport Customer Service Charters

The Government has welcomed the Customer Service Charters published by the private operators of Victoria's rail networks, and also announced the appointment of a new Public Transport Customer Charter Committee, replacing the community committee established by the previous Government, to provide community input and a customer perspective on a range of user satisfaction issues. (26 May)

Concerns on 50 kph speed limit plans

The Opposition has expressed concerns regarding the 50km speed limit to be introduced in residential streets, centred on the increased enforcement requirements, the scope for local government to subsequently pressure the government to be given the ability to fine people for exceeding the speed limit; the costs associated with increased signage; and the definition of residential streets. (25 May)

(Unfortunately, news items between 10 March and 9 May have not been included, due to pressure of other commitments.)

Premier announces transport proposals

The Premier has announced or re-announced various proposals for road, rail and port projects, said to total $1.5 billion, under the title Linking Victoria. (28 Feb)

1999

Government retains City Link fine arrangements

The Government has announced that it is retaining the fine arrangements for City Link established by the previous Government, with some amendments to set specific standards for record keeping and some new offences and "on the spot" fine notices for alleged breaches of the requirements by Transurban.  Under the arrangements established by the previous Government, if Transurban claims that a motorist has travelled without paying the relevant toll, the details are provided to a government agency which can issue a fine notice.  Fine proceeds go to the Government, not to Transurban. (16 Dec)

New day pass arrangements, agreements on City Link

The Government has announced that Transurban has decided to introduce several cheaper and more flexible day passes for motorists using only parts of City Link and for weekend use. Transurban have also agreed to pursue the introduction of a day pass account, under which motorists would not have to nominate the day of use, but pay, on use, the day pass fee plus an administrative fee. As well the Government have reached  in principle agreement  to allow Transurban to open the Domain Tunnel once all construction, environmental, safety and operational requirements set down in the City Link contract are met and agreement that the new outbound lane of the Monash Freeway will be fully opened 'toll free' prior to Christmas. A settlement has also been reached of all claims between Transurban and the State arising from the construction of the Southern Link for a total of $500,000. (15 Dec)

Minister praises Coalition's precinct upgrade

Access around Melbourne’s world famous Sports and Entertainment Precinct has been further improved with the completion of a new $10.7 million pedestrian bridge and associated works, connecting the MCG and the new Multi Purpose Venue (MPV), the Minister for Sport, Recreation and Youth Affairs, Mr Justin Madden, has announced. (16 Nov)

Surrey Hills to become a premium station

Surrey Hills railway station will become a Premium Station — manned from first to last train seven days a week, Transport Minister Robin Cooper and Box Hill MLA Robert Clark said today. (9 Sep)

Alstom buys Ballarat railway workshops

Alstom Australia Limited has bought the Ballarat Railway Workshops for $7 million. (13 Aug)

November start for Geelong freeway

Work to upgrade the Geelong Road will commence in November and a 60km freeway between Geelong and Melbourne should be completed within three years. (12 August)

Traffic information on the Internet

Real-time traffic information is now available to Melbourne’s motorists over the Internet. (11 August)

Station Pier under new management

Since June 30, 1999, management of Station Pier has been transferred from the Melbourne Port Corporation (MPC) to the Department of Infrastructure (DoI). (11 August)

Hillside Trains franchise goes to MTE

Melbourne Transport Enterprises (MTE) has been awarded the franchise to operate Hillside Trains, bringing private-sector investment in Victoria’s public transport system to more than $1.6 billion. (13 July)

Hoddle Street and Victoria Parade upgrades

Construction will begin later this year on three new road projects on Hoddle Street and Victoria Parade at a cost of $1 million. (13 July)

Increase to Sunday train and tram services

A new Sunday train and tram timetable for Melbourne, with more than 800 extra services, will begin on Sunday, July 4, to cater for increased public transport patronage on weekends. (1 July)

Three more public transport franchises announced

The Premier, Mr Kennett, has announced the awarding of three public transport franchises to transport operator National Express.

Franchise announced for Yarra Trams

MetroLink, a consortium of private-sector transport operators including Transfield, Transdev and Egis Projects, has been awarded a 12-year franchise to operate Yarra Trams.

New tram service for sports precinct

The Premier, Mr Kennett, has opened a new $12.5-million route through Melbourne’s sports and entertainment precinct.

Free rail car parks to remain

Free car parking at metropolitan stations will definitely remain when the system is privatised, Minister for Transport Robin Cooper has said, responding to recent reports suggesting that entire car-parking facilities at local stations could be subject to fees.

Tram extension into Docklands

A major extension to Melbourne’s tram network is to be built by June next year in Melbourne’s Docklands.

Tullamarine–Eastern Freeways link mooted

The Premier, Mr Kennett, has committed the State Government to investigating options to connect the Eastern and Tullamarine Freeways to alleviate traffic snarls at the city end of the Eastern Freeway.

New transport, infrastructure and planning projects in Budget

Victorian bus services to be upgraded

The State Government is to spend $75.6 million on improving bus services, building better passenger facilities, utilising new technologies and improving school-bus safety in the largest funding assistance to Victoria’s bus services in decades.

Cruise ships boost economy

The visit of P&O’s Sky Princess to Melbourne — the 26th cruise ship to visit this season, between the months of November and March — marked the conclusion of Victoria's best ever cruise shipping season.

OneLink gets the go-ahead

The Public Transport Corporation (PTC) has announced that it has granted commissioning for the Metcard automated ticketing system.

Low-floor ‘easy-access’ trams for Melbourne

As part of the Government’s public transport franchising program, 90 low-floor trams will progressively start operating between 2002 and 2004 to replace the current fleet of Z1/Z2-class trams.

Agreement on national road rules

A majority of State Ministers and the Federal Minister for Transport have agreed in principle to the implementation of a system of National Road Rules.

V/Line Freight privatised for $163m

Freight Victoria, the successful bidder for V/Line Freight Corporation, will pay just over $163 million under a 15 year renewable lease to operate and maintain Victoria's country rail network.

National Bus Company adds 200 trips

The National Bus Company is to introduce new and revised services from Tuesday, 9 March 1999, under which commuters will save up to half an hour travelling time on some bus routes and there will be more than 200 additional trips per week.

"Cruising Victoria" strategy launched

The Government has launched a "Cruising Victoria" strategy, a three-year plan to attract more cruise ships and tourism dollars to Victoria.

Roadworthiness system to be reviewed

The Minister for Roads and Ports, Geoff Craige, has set the Terms of Reference for the Parliamentary Road Safety Committee to conduct an inquiry into Victoria's vehicle roadworthy system.

1998

Extra 100 Taxi Licences to Cut Waiting Times

The Victorian Government has announced an extra 100 taxi licences for high occupancy vehicles.

New Phillip Island ferry service launched

The Minister for Transport, Robin Cooper, has launched a new ferry service from Stony Point to Cowes.  The Service will operate 7 days a week, making two return trips on weekdays and four on weekends.  It will be provided by Inter Island Ferries under a 10 year agreement with the Department of Infrastructure. (News Release, Minister for Transport, 13 Dec 1998)

City Link Information

Transurban has recently distributed booklets providing some detailed information on use of and tolls for the City Link project.

Rail service improvements

The Minister for Transport, Robin Cooper has announced a range of metropolitan passenger rail service improvements to be introduced on December 6, 1998.

Public Transport Accessibility Action Plan

The Government has launched an 'Action Plan' for 21^st Century Public Transport Accessibility which will ensure that a majority of Victoria's public transport services are 100 percent accessible to everyone within 20 years.

Compulsory registration for Driving Instructors

All driving instructors operating in Victoria must be registered from March 1, 1999, under new laws introduced by the State Government.

Public Transport Privatisation

Victoria’s passenger and freight railways and tramways are to be progressively privatised over the next twelve months. The Minister for Transport, Mr. Robin Cooper, launched a major public information campaign on October 29, to explain the changes and their effect on passengers.

Mont Albert Tram to be extended

The  Whitehorse Road tram service is to be extended as far as Market St. Box Hill as part of $42 million of new public transport infrastructure improvements.

Tough privacy laws for City Link data

The Melbourne City Link Act 1995 is to be amended to provide for fines of up to $10,000 for any unauthorised use of personal information in City Link tolling records.

V/Line services to increase by 15% with new timetables

An extra 101 services per week will be added to V/Line Passenger timetables from December 6.

Government Rejects Major Changes to TAC, WorkCover

The State Government has not accepted proposals under national competition policy reviews to change Victoria's transport accident and workers compensation schemes.

Contracts awarded for traffic cameras and enforcement

The contract to provide outsourced administrative support for the Traffic Camera Office and Enforcement Management Unit has been awarded to the LMT Australia Pty Ltd consortium comprising Lockheed Martin IMS (IMS) and the Tenix group of companies (formerly Transfield Defence Systems).

Driving Instructors to be registered

The Road Safety (Driving Instructors) Bill will require professional driving instructors to possess stipulated minimum skills and knowledge and be of ‘good character.’

Metcard Ticketing System update

The installation of automated ticketing throughout Melbourne’s public transport system is almost complete.

Unreadable number plates amnesty ends soon

Drivers whose number plates have faded or darkened have until August 31 to replace them or risk a fine of $110.

Melbourne Bus Link takes over bus services

The remaining Government-run bus services have been taken over by the Melbourne Bus Link (MBL) consortium.

Victoria leads way on vehicle and driver records

Victoria has become the first state to link vehicle registration details to a new national vehicle information system which will greatly simplify the process for undertaking interstate business transactions.

New MetCard 10 trip ticket

A new MetCard ticket has been introduced; the TwoHour x 10 ticket, which will give customers the convenience of 10 two-hour trips on the one ticket.

Melbourne’s Traffic Flow Improves

The recent improvements in Melbourne’s Road network such as the Western Ring Road and the South Eastern Freeway upgrade have contributed to total reductions in delays of 5.5% between 1995 and 1997.

Port of Melbourne tops one million containers

Melbourne has officially become the first Australian port to handle more than one million containers per year.

2000

The Opposition Leader, Denis Napthine, has proposed a golden tram on Melbourne's City Circle route for a year as a fitting way to promote next year's 150 years of gold celebrations to be marked across Victoria. (21 Sep)

The Opposition has criticised the Planning Minister, John Thwaites, for failing to make a decision on the final route for the western option of the Shepparton bypass. (13 Sep)

Tram cancellations during peak times are being caused by the removal of all W class trams from Melbourne's tracks last May, according to the Shadow Transport Minister. (7 Aug)

Objections by Labor-controlled councils are putting the proposed Craigieburn deviation of the Hume Freeway at risk, according to the Opposition. (13 July)

The Government has announced this year's State funding of $45 million to Councils for routine and periodic maintenance of main roads. (6 July)

The Opposition has criticised the government's decision to fund a $35 million extension of Collins Street to the Docklands and its consideration of the construction of a $10 million pub at Federation Square. (5 July)

The Minister for Ports has announced the appointment of Rear Admiral John Lord AM as the new chief executive officer of the Marine Board of Victoria. (30 June)

Transurban has agreed to indefinitely defer the removal of clearways on Toorak Road, and the Government is installing a $500,000 electronic traffic diversion system to try to speed up tram movement along Toorak Road. (29 June)

The Government has announced that about $300,000 is to be spent on immediate service improvements in station lighting, seating, toilet facilities and security measures at Spencer Street Station, and that Gordon McKern, John Taylor and Robyn Stewart have been appointed to the Board of the Spencer Street Station Authority. (28 June)

The Government is to maintain the state subsidy for on-road petrol and diesel, worth approximately $30 million a year. (27 June)

China Southern Airlines is to begin flights to Melbourne after an agreement reached by the State Government over Australia-China Air Services. (27 June)

Victorian farmers building cattle under/over passes from June 17 this year, can share in a $4 million fund to assist in the construction on a dollar for dollar basis up to a maximum of $20,000, with the Minister approving in principle the Victorian Farmers Federation's (VFF) application to the Regional Infrastructure Development Fund to manage this initiative.  (22 June)

The Minister for Planning has refused an application for a permit to demolish the signal box and waiting room at Ringwood Railway Station, accepting a Heritage Council recommendation that the permit be refused. The future of the buildings will now be considered in a $1 million Masterplan for the Ringwood Transport Interchange project. (20 June)

The Government has announced a strategy which attempts to boost the competitiveness of Victoria's rail manufacturing sector. (20 June)

Restoration of Western Port Bay's seagrass and mangroves is the main objective of a draft strategy released by the Minister for Environment and Conservation. (20 June)

The Minister for Transport says new arterial road links being delayed indefinitely by a lack of Federal funding include the Deer Park By-Pass, Scoresby Freeway, Pakenham By-Pass and completion of the Calder Highway duplication to Bendigo. (19 June)

The Transport Minister and the Police Minister have launched a discussion paper on Victoria's Road Safety Strategy 2000-2005. (13 June)

The north/south road at Docklands is to be officially named Wurundjeri Way. (6 June)

The Minister for Transport has announced the extension until 31 August 2000 of reduced penalties for unauthorised travel on City Link. (31 May)

The Minister for Transport hasannounced a $40,000 grant for a study into the feasibility of establishing a Heritage Transport Complex at the Ballarat railyards. (30 May)

The Minister for Transport has announced a $150,000 grant to help reconnect the historic rail link between Echuca Railway Station and the Port of Echuca Wharf. (29 May)

The Opposition has called on the Premier to release the Ballarat very fast train feasibility study. (24 May)

(Unfortunately, news items have not been included between 10 March and 9 May, due to pressure of other commitments.)

The Government says Olympic Airways has reviewed its decision to suspend its Melbourne service and that the service will now continue to fly twice-weekly to Melbourne. (10 Mar)

The Minister for Transport has announced that a Community Reference Group has been formed to help investigate options for re-opening the Mildura passenger train service. (9 Mar)

The Minister for Transport has released a CSIRO Atmospheric Research report that confirms that some two years after the opening of the Eastern Freeway extension, air quality in the Elgar Park/ Box Hill area is well within environmental guidelines. (2 Mar)

The Government has announced funding for 10 accident blackspots as part of a $240 million program funded under a one-off 'safety dividend' from the Transport Accident Commission (TAC) as part of the Linking Victoria program. (29 Feb)

The Minister for Transport has criticised the previous Government for not requiring train and tram franchisees to purchase new rolling stock from Australian suppliers, and said he "hoped to develop a package which will involve Australian suppliers being given the opportunity to tender on a level playing field". (23 Feb)

The Government will provide more than $1 million to redevelop the Ringwood Railway Station and link it with the town's retail precinct. (8 Feb)

The Minister for Transport has launched a strategy for the management and development of the Western Highway corridor. (25 Jan)

The independent Panel Report examining the proposed Goulburn Valley Highway bypass of Shepparton has been released today by the Planning Minister, but the Government has not accepted the Panel's recommendations at this stage, and has asked VicRoads and the Department of Infrastructure to investigate possible variations to the western route. (19 Jan)

The Acting Premier has expressed concern at Virgin Airlines' desire to use Essendon Airport as its short-term Melbourne base, saying the State Government will under no circumstances agree to such a plan. (12 Jan)

The Government has approved a limited extension to the current exemption allowing high containers to be transported on trucks to a loaded height of 4.6 metres. (4 Jan)

1999

Free public transport will be provided on New Year's Eve by Bayside Trains, Hillside Trains, Swanston Trams, Yarra Trams and on Melbourne metropolitan bus services (other than non-Metcard services such as Nightrider buses) between 6.00pm and 6.00am and National Express will provide free travel on V/Line passenger services after 6pm. (21 Dec)

The Minister for Manufacturing Industry has announced a $400,000 grant to support the international marketing of the Axcess Australia Concept Car 2 Hybrid Electric Vehicle. (21 Dec)

The Government has announced the establishment of  feasibility studies to provide fast train services between Melbourne and Ballarat, Bendigo, Traralgon and Geelong. (16 Dec)

Commercial port waters in Victoria will be closed to shipping operations for large vessels for up to 24 hours from New Year's Eve as part of Year 2000 contingency planning. (25 Nov)

The Government will commit an additional $9 million over the next three years to upgrade Victoria's network of on-road and off-road bike paths the Minister for Transport, Mr Peter Batchelor has announced. (10 Nov)

The Transport Minister, Mr Peter Batchelor, has approved the toll free opening of CityLink's Exhibition Street extension between Flinders Street and Swan Street. (25 Oct)

1998