CLEAN AIR FOR THE WESTERN SUBURBS

A re-elected Andrews Labor Government will seal roads and modernise trucks to reduce pollution and improve air quality for residents in Melbourne’s inner west.

The Port of Melbourne in our western suburbs is Australia’s largest container port, supporting crucial supply chains and thousands of jobs. Freight activity to and from the port keeps Victoria running.

When the West Gate Tunnel opens, it’ll take 9,000 trucks off local roads and prevent another 5,000 from using local streets to avoid the Westgate Freeway.

But in the meantime, we need to manage truck traffic flows for local residents.

No community should need to worry about the air quality in their suburb – so Labor is taking action to improve air quality for the inner west.

This $20 million package includes $15 million for a grants program to modernise trucks that travel through the western suburbs. Subsidies of up to $20,000 will be available to encourage truck operators to replace older vehicles to newer models that limit engine emissions.

We will also make $5 million in grants available for local councils to seal more roads. Trucks can kick up a lot of dust, but sealing more roads will reduce dust pollution in the air.

Labor is already taking action to reduce air pollution through our nation-leading investments in climate action and renewable energy.

Our Zero Emissions Vehicle Roadmap is supported by a $100 million investment to ensure our state is a leader in adopting zero emissions vehicles.

We’re making our public transport network greener and we’re strengthening environmental protections – so the EPA has more power to prevent air pollution.

You can’t trust the Liberals to act on climate change and air pollution – instead of standing up for communities, they only look out for their mates.

Only Labor is doing what matters and taking action to deliver better air quality for residents in the inner west.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Action Lily D’Ambrosio

“No community should have to worry about air quality in their suburb. That’s why a re-elected Andrews Labor Government will make a $20 million investment to drive down pollution and give communities in the west a breath of fresh air.”

Quotes attributable to Minister for Ports and Freight and Member for Williamstown Melissa Horne

“We’ve worked hard with the local community and industry to develop practical plans that will fundamentally change the air quality in the inner west. By modernising trucks it will mean better air quality and more efficient movement for freight.”

Quotes attributable to Member for Footscray Katie Hall

“Only Labor is doing what matters – looking after communities in the inner west and delivering better air quality for locals.”

Quotes attributable to Member for Tarneit Sarah Connolly

“We’re so pleased to deliver this investment in a brighter future for our neighborhood and clean air for the western suburbs.”