MP wants more state Geelong trains funding

CORANGAMITE Liberal federal member Sarah Henderson has criticised the Labor state government for not putting enough funding into improving rail services between Geelong and Melbourne.

She said the Coalition had committed $254 million towards the railway line between Warrnambool and Geelong in its past two federal budgets, including $150 million to duplicate the track between South Geelong and Waurn Ponds, and upgrade platforms at Waurn Ponds, Marshall and South Geelong, but state Labor had “sat on its hands for four years” and committed only $20 million.

“Months after this year’s state budget, Labor shamelessly announced a $147 million election commitment to the duplication project. This represents only 20 per cent of the required funding.

“Labor’s attitude to this project demonstrates their disregard for the transport needs of the Geelong and surrounding communities – we need a better train service now.”

Ms Henderson said that earlier this month, through letters, Prime Minister Scott Morrison advised the Premier that “we wanted to get on with this project, and others across Victoria which have been prioritised by the Liberal and Nationals Government, as soon as possible”.

She said state Labor was only providing 10 percent ($100 million) of the $1.75 billion Victorian Regional Rail Package “despite attempting to take all the credit”.

“Labor has also failed to deliver, over four years, a solution to fix the Regional Rail Link and provide fast rail to Melbourne. A $100 million election commitment made at the eleventh hour before the state election is only a small fraction of what is required.”