Matthew Guy has called for a major national debate about population growth, warning Melbourne is in danger of "bursting" and cannot keep growing at its current pace.

In an interview with The Age one year on from the state election, Mr Guy has also given the strongest indication yet that the Coalition will revisit the East West Link as part of its 2018 election pitch, suggesting the impact from the project could be softened with a longer tunnel.

Leader of the Opposition Matthew Guy has indicated that the Coalition will revisit the East West Link at the next state election. Credit:Justin McManus

"We want to take the East West Link to the next election," Mr Guy said. "I think if you are going to have an integrated transport agenda you can't ignore the need for the East West Link and whether it is a longer tunnel ... the point is you need that link between the Western Ring Road, the Tullamarine Freeway and the Eastern Freeway."

Mr Guy said he accepted that a strong focus on public transport was also needed. But he accused Labor of ignoring motorists, predicting in the not too distant future electric cars would become viable for families, changing the environmental and planning debate.