THE State Government is calling on residents to put their hands up for a consultation group to help shape the controversial WestLink freeway and tunnel.

The group will be made up of representatives from seven western councils, local stakeholder and business groups, the Port of Melbourne Corporation, the Linking Melbourne Authority and three community members to represent Brimbank, Maribyrnong and Melbourne.

Roads Minister Tim Pallas said the group would be independently chaired by community relations advocate Jeni Coutts, who has worked on other infrastructure projects including CityLink, the Basslink underwater electrical connection and the refranchising of Victoria’s public transport network.

Mr Pallas said the three successful applicants would be chosen based on their community links and ability to represent a broad range of views.

The State Government will also host community workshops, focus groups, one-on-one meetings and public displays as part of the consultation process.

Residents will have the opportunity to comment on potential routes by the middle of next year.

Local transport groups No Freeway 4 West Footscray and the Brimbank Transport Action Group are skeptical of the reference group, and say they have no hope of being selected.

“They’re going to choose whoever they want,” Lucy Liga from No Freeway 4 West Footscray said.

“They say it’s independent, but how do we know it’s independent? We don’t.”

BTAG spokesperson Debbi Woods believes the State Government will only pick people who support the plan.

The announcement comes two weeks after the State Government pledged $10 million towards the WestLink planning and consultation study.

The State Government has also announced $11 million towards pre-construction planning and early works on Yarraville’s Shepherd Bridge for stage one of the Truck Action Plan.

The group terms of reference can be viewed at www.linkingmelbourne.vic.gov.au or by calling 8562 6800. Applications close Friday 11 December and should be sent to contact@lma.vic.gov.au or Linking Melbourne Authority, PO Box 2472, Footscray 3011.