ACCC raises concerns over higher road tolls for Melbourne’s east
Victorians across Warrandyte and Melbourne’s east are facing the prospect of higher road tolls as Australia’s competition watchdog raises fresh concerns over Transurban’s proposed Eastlink takeover.
The Australian Consumer and Competition Commission (ACCC) has raised preliminary competition concerns over Transurban’s proposed acquisition of a majority interest in Eastlink operator Horizon Roads.
The ACCC states (p2): “The ACCC is concerned that the proposed acquisition may substantially lessen competition for concessions to construct, own and/or operate toll roads in Victoria.”
Such an acquisition would leave Transurban in control of tolling across three of Melbourne’s major toll roads, including CityLink and the WestGate Tunnel, and risks further toll increases for hardworking Victorians.
Leader of the Opposition, John Pesutto, said the Andrews Government mustn’t allow Victorian households that are battling to make ends meet to be hit with even higher road tolls.
“Local communities across Warrandyte and Melbourne’s east deserve better than to pay the price of the Andrews Government’s incompetence,” Mr Pesutto said.
“The Andrews Governmentmust ensure that any deal to acquire the Eastlink concession does notlead to higher road tolls and further cost of living pressures for Victorians.”
Shadow Minister for Finance, Jess Wilson, said Warrandyte locals and communities across Melbourne’s east were set to pay the price of the Andrews Government’s waste and mismanagement.
“The Andrews Government has a history of green-lighting higher toll deals with Transurban and leaving drivers to pay the price,” Ms Wilson said.
