BUILD IT UP Money for better rail, and women and children’s hospital in budget

RAILWAYS and a hospital are the big winners in the Geelong region in the 2019 federal budget, handed down by Treasurer Josh Frydenberg on Tuesday.

As previously announced last month, $2 billion – the region’s single largest investment – will go towards the long-awaited fast rail project between Geelong and Melbourne.

Earlier this week, Corangamite Liberal federal member Sarah Henderson announced the budget would also contain $700 million towards duplicating the railway line between South Geelong and Waurn Ponds.

Stage 1 of the works, which are also being funded by the state government, will construct a second platform and car parking at Waurn Ponds railway station, extra track and a pedestrian link, as well as the preservation of the Armstrong Creek transit corridor.

Stage 2 will construct 12.6 kilometres of new track between South Geelong and Waurn Ponds; second platforms and car parking at Marshall and South Geelong rail stations, a new rail bridge over the Barwon River and grade separation of the level crossings at Fyans Street and the Surf Cost Highway.

Another $4 million will go towards Stage 3, developing a business case to improve the connection between the Geelong and South Geelong stations.

“This funding boost represents an incredible investment in rail infrastructure for Geelong and the Corangamite electorate,” Ms Henderson said.

“A dual track and upgraded stations will deliver more frequent and reliable rail services, so important for local residents.

“I am very proud that we are getting on with the job of delivering critical transport infrastructure to our region.”

The final budget papers also reveal $50 million towards the $160 million Women and Children’s Hospital, which
will be built on the site of the former Geelong Private Hospital.

“This investment represents a wonderful investment in health services for women and children living in Geelong and across the Corangamite electorate including on the Bellarine Peninsula,” Ms Henderson said.

“The Morrison Government has been working with Barwon Health on the development of this project and funding will be matched by $110 million from the Victorian Government.”

The election has not yet been called but is looming, and Labor candidate for Corangamite Libby Coker announced on Monday that her party would match the $700 million for the duplication if it came to power.

Ms Coker said she welcomed funding for the project but questioned its timing on the eve of an election.

“It is typical of the Morrison Liberal Government, withholding funds from Victoria for essential transport infrastructure and then at the last minute announcing the funding. It is so disappointing.”