Today, the Victorian Liberals and Nationals are calling for the pausing of Suburban Rail Loop East (SRL East) and the reprioritisation of funds into the delivery of Melbourne’s much-needed Airport Rail project.
The Andrews Government’s SRL East has been mired in secrecy since first announced in 2018 and faces continued questions over its funding sources, benefits, and delivery timeline, with the independent Parliamentary Budget Office (PBO) costing the first two-thirds of the project alone at up to $200 billion.
In contrast, the Melbourne Airport Rail has committed funding from the Commonwealth and Victorian Governments, will include overdue local rail upgrades to Melbourne’s west and is widely recognised to bring significant long-term benefits to Victoria as a whole.
With Victorians paying more than $10 million a day in interest on Labor’s record debt – soon rising to $22 million a day – major projects must be prioritised, deliver genuine value for money and benefit the greatest number of Victorians.
Without breaking existing contracts, SRL East should be put on pause and all available State Government funding and resources should be diverted into delivering the Melbourne Airport Rail.
Shadow Minister for Transport Infrastructure, David Southwick, said the Andrews Government’s record debt means Victoria must prioritise the projects that are needed the most.
“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,” Mr Southwick.
“Recent infrastructure works and delays have exposed decades of underinvestment in the rail network across Melbourne’s west. These communities deserve a modern rail network and Airport Rail is the place to start.”
Shadow Minister for Tourism, Sport and Events, Sam Groth, said Victoria’s reputation as a leading world city and its ability to attract international visitors and events are dependent on having quality infrastructure.
“Having rail to and from the airport is basic infrastructure in virtually every major city in Australia and around the world. Victoria’s international reputation and appeal as a tourist destination is being held back whilst this project remains on pause,” Mr Groth said.
“A train from Cheltenham to Box Hill must not come before a train line to the airport. With the Andrews Government’s record debt continuing to climb, Victoria must prioritise the projects that are needed the most.”
