Harper Sercombe
The Victorian state opposition has announced its priorities for Victoria’s rail projects.
The opposition is calling for the Suburban Rail Loop to be paused, without breaking existing contracts, and for the resources to be reinvested into the Melbourne Airport Rail Link.
The current plans for the airport’s rail line are in doubt with the federal funding under an infrastructure spending review.
The federal and the state governments have committed $5 billion, which was retained in the state budget, to the project before the review was announced.
Deputy premier and Transport Minister Jacinta Allan has previously stated that the project won’t be completed by 2029.
Opposition transport and infrastructure spokesperson David Southwick said due to the state’s current debt levels projects must be prioritsised based on the needs of the community.
“Airport rail is one-third the cost of SRL East, has funding commitments and will genuinely benefit every Victorian, not just those in one part of Melbourne,” he said.
“Recent infrastructure works and delays have exposed decades of under investment in the rail network across Melbourne’s west.
“These communities deserve a modern rail network and Airport Rail is the place to start.”
More to come.
