FOOTSCRAY MP Marsha Thomson has told residents it is unlikely a proposed elevated road that would cut through Newell’s Paddock would be built.

Ms Thomson met with David Weisser from the Save Newell’s Paddock group and two other residents last week to discuss concerns about Sir Rod Eddington’s proposed Truck Action Plan.

One of the suggestions is a freeway that would go through the Footscray park.

“She expressed an opinion that she didn’t think the elevated road would go ahead simply because there are better options than that,” Mr Weisser said. “We’re pleased that she gave us some fairly open responses.”

Mr Weisser said he was worried the State Government might adopt the proposal as a band-aid solution, after reports the Federal Government might withdraw up to $10 billion in transport funding because of the current economic crisis.

“As a group we’re still very concerned that the current economic stuff may drive this into a short-term solution. “There still is predominant talk about using roads for freight and people movement, and we would encourage them to be visionary and stop talking about roads as the primary movement pathway.”