By Bonny Burrows
State Government plans for an upgraded, more frequent Gippsland rail service, with trains running every 40 minutes, have been branded by Federal Transport Minister Darren Chester as a “Santa wishlist”.
On 30 April, Premier Daniel Andrews announced the $435 million Gippsland rail package, which included the development of train detection systems at 20 level crossings along the corridor to boost safety as part a “record” state investment.
Also included in the local package is the duplication of the Bunyip and Longwarry single track line, and the construction of second platforms at both stations.
Speaking in Warragul, Mr Andrews said the project would be funded through the Asset Recycling initiative – money secured from the Port of Melbourne sale.
“We have a signed agreement with the Federal Government that relates to a 15 per cent bonus payment from the sale of the Port of Melbourne, so every single dollar that’s required to fund these projects is Victorian money,“ Mr Andrews said.
However, the State Labor Government has been criticised by Mr Chester, who is also Member for Gippsland, for spending money it did not have.
The State Government missed the deadline for the initiative, Mr Chester said, meaning the money was not a given.
“What we have seen today, basically, is Premier Andrews, has written a Santa wishlist to the Prime Minister, without any money going on the table, without any planning, without a business case and without any State Government funding,” Mr Chester said.
“I’m ready to do a deal with the State Government on regional rail projects, but they need to provide us with a plan, provide us business cases and show some real commitment with a dedicated regional rail fund in this week’s State Budget.”
The project has also been scrutinised by the State Opposition, with Member for Narracan Gary Blackwood calling for the Premier to “put his hand in his own pocket to fund it”.
Commuters would also be sceptical of the announcement, he said.
“Details in this announcement are broad strokes at best and local commuters have been promised improvements before by Daniel Andrews,” Mr Blackwood said.
State Transport Minister Jacinta Allan refuted claims the government was spending Federal dollars it wasn’t entitled to.
“This is our money and we will spend it on better regional rail across Victoria,“ Ms Allan said.
