The state opposition is calling for the government to pause work on the Suburban Rail Loop (SRL) and for the resources to be reinvested into the Melbourne Airport Rail Link.
The plans for the airport rail line remain in doubt with the federal funding under an infrastructure spending review. which is due to conclude late next month.
The federal and the state governments had each committed $5 billion to the project before the review was announced.
Deputy premier and Transport and Infrastructure 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 prioritised based on the needs of the community.
The opposition wants the government to pause SRL without breaking the existing contracts.
“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.”
A state government spokesperson has labelled the move from the opposition as just, “another stunt.”
“Victorians have endorsed the Suburban Rail Loop at two elections and we’re getting on with delivering it, while the Liberals are once again calling to cut thousands of jobs and vital connections to the east,” the 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.
“SRL Airport is part of the National Infrastructure Investment Program Review – we’ll have more to say when that process has run its course.”
Brimbank mayor Bruce Lancashire said airport rail was a priority for council and the uncertainty associated with the federal infrastructure spending review was of great concern.
“The confirmed delivery of Melbourne Airport Rail, Sunshine Station Masterplan and Albion Station, will secure much needed industry confidence to attract the required investment to shift inter-generational disadvantage in Melbourne’s west and deliver the jobs and economic activity that are required to keep pace with the region’s rapid population growth,” he said,
“Any delay on the delivery of the Melbourne Airport Rail, Sunshine Masterplan or Albion Station will only ensure that Melbourne’s west continues to lag behind the rest of the nation. The Melbourne Airport Rail and related infrastructure projects are significant Victorian Government commitments for the residents of Melbourne’s west. Melbourne’s west deserves better than continuously missing out and being overlooked.”
