Vic: Parliament cites safety as reason for $6million tunnel

AAP General News (Australia)
04-05-2001
Vic: Parliament cites safety as reason for $6million tunnel

MELBOURNE, April 5 AAP - Late-night safety concerns have prompted a proposal for the
building of a tunnel connecting the Victorian Parliament House to new staff offices at
a cost of $6 million.

Legislative council president Bruce Chamberlain said today the underground walkway
from parliament to a newly acquired building across the road in Spring Street was likely
to proceed.

It would provide a covered and protected walkway for about 70 Hansard reporters and
other staff who would be housed in the new offices, and worked late nights during parliamentary
sittings.

It also would protect staff from bad weather and cut time waiting at traffic lights, he said.

The tunnel, which will cost about $6 million, will take 15 months to build and is expected
to be finished late next year, he said.

"We have now got a design which meets the requirements for staff," Mr Chamberlain said.

"It looks likely to go ahead."

He said Premier Steve Bracks had already given in-principle support for the proposal
and he would now apply for funding.

Mr Chamberlain said the new offices would free up space in a cramped parliament house,
where some MPs were forced to share offices with three others.

He said to renovate parliament would cost more than $40 million.

"So this is a very cost effective method for us," he said.

The tunnel will connect offices at 157 Spring Street to an entrance on the northern
side of Parliament House.

Opposition leader Denis Napthine said he had not seen the plans, so could not comment
on the idea.

AAP cmc/clr/mg/bwl

KEYWORD: TUNNEL (CARRIED EARLIER)

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