The Film

Tunnel Vision is a 50 min. documentary that will reveal the true story behind the controversial East West road tunnel tollway planned to be built through the heart of inner Melbourne. The story will be told through the eyes of affected community members turned activists, protesters, community campaigners and leaders, transport and infrastructure experts and everyday road users.

The Story So Far

The battle lines are drawn between those who advocate for long overdue public transport solutions verses those who say building a major linking road is the answer to congestion. The right solution will determine your transport choices and future for decades to come.



We all know car congestion is a major problem. But what's the right solution at this time? Those advocating roads say East West will help traffic flow and ease congestion. Public transport advocates say that new train services, including the long overdue Doncaster and Metro Rail services would take many thousands of cars off roads and greatly ease congestion. So who's correct?

Some suggest the tunnel is being planned to help the heavy transport industry, particularly freight movement to and from the port of Melbourne. Curiously, the state government recently pronounced Victoria the 'Freight State'.



Community outrage around East West Link has also been fueled by a sense of betrayal by a government that was elected in 2010 largely on a public transport platform. The government now intends to go to the polls in Nov. 2014 with East West construction tenders awarded, thereby denying the electorate any say in the matter.



For the last 6 months community members have occupied local streets most mornings, peacefully protesting and picketing test drilling sites chanting "No mandate - no solution". "No Tunnel, No Way - We're Gonna Fight It All The Way". The protesters strategy is to delay East West sufficiently so that contracts can't be signed before the next election, and so let the electorate decide. Apart from their total commitment to stopping the project, these ordinary residents turned activists also wish to inform the wider community about why public funds should support improved public transport to ease car congestion.



As community outrage and protest has grown the government has attempted to silence it by setting up a special police task force and tactical squad to physically remove protesters. To date police actions have only seemed to fuel more outrage and protest.

Who Will Win?

Many community members have risen up in revolt over East West Link. It remains unclear who will win the battles ahead. One thing however is clear. The tunnel is not inevitable. The community residents through whom we'll tell our story believe they can win the war. I'd like to be with them all the way. With your support I will. I'll also ensure Tunnel Vision makes a difference, because the truth is a powerful weapon.



The Film-Maker

The film is being produced and directed by independent film-maker Ivan Hexter. He's been filming the project for the past 6 months and has personally covered all expenses. Ivan's a highly experienced, award winning media maker and inner Melbourne resident.

He intends to release the film as widely as possible, prior to the next state election in Nov.2014.

Through the film we'll learn the truth behind East West Link and tell the real story of it's impact and implications for residents, the broader community, commuters and those who care about our transport future, Melbourne's livability and our quality of life.




For the film-maker there's lots more work to do and your support will enable this major documentary to be completed.

Your pledges will be recognised through a range of special rewards.

My sincere appreciation for your time, interest and support of Tunnel Vision.

If we reach our funding goal your contributions will be used to ensure the film's vision is realised through completing the extensive filming and post production needed, including considerable editing, sound post-production, narration and music.

Filming for 24 days over the next 6 months (camera-person / equipment) - $12,000
Post production facilities & editor - $8,000
Production support ( research, legals, and travel) - $3,000
Soundtrack mixing, library music and copyright clearance - $2,000
If funds raised exceed $25,000 then an original music score and further enhancements can be included.

With your support the project will succeed. If for some unexpected reason the filmmaker is unable to work as planned his network of professional associates will ensure the doco is completed as envisaged.