Vic govt taken to court over Link

The consortium contracted to build the controversial East West Link tollway is taking the Victorian government to court.

East West Connect lodged action in the Victorian Civil and Administration Tribunal about two weeks ago.

A spokesman for the consortium says the planning tribunal action relates to contractual obligations.

"The action in VCAT is due to the contractual requirement for the consortium to be ready, willing and able to perform if the suspension is lifted," he said on Wednesday.

"The VCAT application does not impact on discussions with government and given the confidentiality obligations under the contract we will not be commenting further at this time."

Premier Daniel Andrews, who vowed to dump the $6.8 billion project if elected in the November state election, issued a stop-work notice to the consortium in December.

He wrote to East West Connect asking them to suspend all work, but the contracts remain live.

The former Napthine government inked the contracts with the consortium in September.

There is media speculation the payout for dumping the project could reach $1.1 billion, but Mr Andrews has said any compensation would be limited to costs incurred.

Negotiations are ongoing.

The VCAT action is due to come before the tribunal for a directions hearing later in February.

Acting Planning Minister Robin Scott said he wouldn't engage in a running commentary over the tribunal action.

"The reason this is case is happening is because the East West Consortium is not getting their road built," he told reporters.