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.<\/p>\n
As previously announced last month, $2 billion \u2013 the region\u2019s single largest investment \u2013 will go towards the long-awaited fast rail project between Geelong and Melbourne.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Another $4 million will go towards Stage 3, developing a business case to improve the connection between the Geelong and South Geelong stations.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis funding boost represents an incredible investment in rail infrastructure for Geelong and the Corangamite electorate,\u201d Ms Henderson said.<\/p>\n
\u201cA dual track and upgraded stations will deliver more frequent and reliable rail services, so important for local residents.<\/p>\n
\u201cI am very proud that we are getting on with the job of delivering critical transport infrastructure to our region.\u201d<\/p>\n
The final budget papers also reveal $50 million towards the $160 million Women and Children\u2019s Hospital, which
\nwill be built on the site of the former Geelong Private Hospital.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis 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,\u201d Ms Henderson said.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe 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.\u201d<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Ms Coker said she welcomed funding for the project but questioned its timing on the eve of an election.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt 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.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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 \u2013 the region\u2019s single largest investment \u2013 will go towards the long-awaited fast rail project between Geelong and Melbourne. Earlier this week, Corangamite […]<\/p>\n