Harper Sercombe
The state 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.
Opposition transport and infrastructure spokesperson David Southwick said due to the state’s 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.
Western metropolitan MP Trung Luu said the airport rail project is important for the west.
“We need the Airport Rail Link for the western suburbs,” Mr Luu said.
“The western suburbs are getting forgotten again.
“Victoria needs the Airport Rail Link more than the Suburban Rail Link at this current time.”
Plans for a rail line to the airport are in doubt with the federal funding under an infrastructure spending review.
The federal and the state governments have both 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 its 2029 deadline.
The government has hit back at the opposition’s plan labeling it as “another stunt from the Liberals”.
“We’re getting on with delivering [the SRL], while the Liberals are once again calling to cut thousands of jobs and vital connections to the east,” a government spokesperson said.
“Suburban Rail Loop won’t just transform our public transport system, slashing travel times and easing congestion, it will help manage how our city grows, creating a long pipeline of jobs and training opportunities.”
Hume council has also weighed in on the issue via a statement on behalf of Mayor Joseph Haweil.
“Council strongly supports continued investment in the Airport Rail Link Project in line with initial timeframes… recognising its critical state significance for Victoria,” it said.
“This nation-build infrastructure is a project that benefits all Victorians and will provide value for generations to come.
“With the Suburban Rail Loop North component forecast to be delivered by 2053, a full 30 years into the future, Hume City continues to encourage planning works progress to ensure that beneficial infrastructure is delivered where it is needed most.”
The infrastructure review program is set to end in late July.
