Pressure is mounting on Sarah Henderson and the Turnbull Government to back major rail upgrades for the Warrnambool line announced yesterday by the Andrews Labor Government.
Yesterday, the Andrews Labor Government announced the $1.45 billion Regional Rail Revival package, which will deliver better train services across regional Victoria, and create more than 1,000 jobs.
The package includes a $100 million of the Warrnambool line which will build a new crossing loop near Boorcan, upgrade signalling, and install lights, bells and boom gates at passive crossings along the line.
The upgrade will also install new train detection devices at active crossings already protected by boom gates, boosting safety.
These works will enable V/Line to run five return services every day, and pave the way for VLocity trains to run on the Warrnambool line for the very first time.
These projects are funded and ready to go, as soon as Victoria receives the $1.46 billion it’s owed under the agreement with the Federal Government on Asset Recycling.
This is not the Turnbull Government’s money – it is money owed to Victoria for Victorian projects.
Member for Corangamite Sarah Henderson has been campaigning for better services, yet her Government continues to deny Victoria the money that would deliver these improvements for her community.
With regional Victoria growing and patronage on the V/Line network at record highs, it’s time for the Turnbull Government stop dithering, keep his promises and give Victoria its money.
Quotes attributable to Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney
“Sarah Henderson has been calling for funding for rail in the South West but when the Labor Government announced funding she toes the Liberal Party line and whacks our announcement.”
“The only con here is Sarah Henderson who supports the Turnbull Government decision not to invest a single cent in building better public transport for Colac.”
“It’s time for Sarah Henderson and the Turnbull Government to give us our money, so we can get on with our Regional Rail Revival.”