Victoria's Premier Jacinta Allan insists the Suburban Rail Loop (SRL) will proceed despite reports that the federal government intends to prioritize funding for the Melbourne Airport Rail Link. The Victorian government faces a potential funding dilemma as the federal government reportedly considers allocating more resources to the airport rail project, which could impact the SRL's priority.
Victoria 's Premier Jacinta Allan insists the Suburban Rail Loop (SRL) will proceed despite reports that the federal government intends to prioritize funding for the Melbourne Airport Rail Link . According to reports in Newscorp and Nine newspapers, federal sources indicate a willingness to allocate additional funds to the airport rail project, potentially diminishing the SRL's priority.
This news comes as the Victorian government's plan for the Melbourne Airport Rail Link includes an above-ground station at the terminal and predicts completion by 2033. The federal government has committed $2.2 billion towards the first stage of the SRL, a groundbreaking project to construct an orbital rail link through Melbourne's inner suburbs. However, the release of this funding is currently under assessment. This $10 billion Airport Rail Link project, connecting Melbourne's Central Business District to the airport in the city's northwest, faced years of delays due to a disagreement between the state government and Melbourne Airport regarding the train station's location.Ms. Allan addressed the reports, stating that she has been engaged in 'a range of discussions' with her federal counterparts. She asserted, 'They've already invested in the Suburban Rail Loop, in the North-East Link, and we're continuing to talk to the federal government about the projects that we want to see supported here in Victoria.' She further pledged, 'What I will do and what Victorians will expect me to do is continue to fight for our fair share of infrastructure funding.'Federal Treasurer Jim Chalmers maintained that both projects are considered separately. He stated, 'We don't necessarily see those two projects that are being talked about in the media today as linked. We've made it clear for some time that we've made some funding available subject to the relevant and appropriate processes when it comes to suburban rail.'Federal Infrastructure Minister Catherine King, who recently appeared alongside Ms. Allan at a press conference in Werribee, indicated that the $2.2 billion allocated for early works on the Suburban Rail East is currently under assessment. She explained, 'My department is working with Infrastructure Australia on that at the moment, and a brief will come to me — that hasn't occurred yet and I hope that happens shortly. It's under assessment at the moment and when I've got further to say about that ... I'll let you know.'Victoria's Deputy Opposition Leader Evan Mulholland expressed concerns, stating, 'It's clear the federal government would rather direct its money to airport rail.' He criticized the situation, comparing it to 'going to an auction ... winning the auction for a house, and not even having the finance secured for the home. That's what Jacinta Allan's doing.
Suburban Rail Loop Melbourne Airport Rail Link Infrastructure Funding Federal Government Victoria
Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Victoria remains committed to Suburban Rail Loop amid more cash for airport railVictoria wants to deliver the contentious Suburban Rail Loop despite the cost and time and amid federal funding offers for an airport rail link.
Read more »
Premier seeks urgent legal intervention to halt Sydney’s rail network chaosPremier Chris Minns has accused rail unions of putting a “noose around” the transport system as part of their negotiating tactics.
Read more »
Victoria's Labor Party Faces Political Crisis as Poll Shows Premier Daniel Andrews Losing SupportA new poll has sent shockwaves through Victoria's Labor Party, revealing a dramatic decline in support for Premier Daniel Andrews. The results suggest that the party, which has held power in the state for almost two decades, is now facing a serious threat from the opposition Liberal Party. The poll highlights voter dissatisfaction with the cost of living, crime, and debt, as well as a preference for the Liberal Party's new leader, Brad Battin.
Read more »
Dutton pitches suburban battler roots, calls for ‘education not indoctrination’ in campaign launchDutton released a policy document on his plans to “Get Australia Back On Track” as he spruiks his alternative vision for the country.
Read more »
Dutton pitches suburban battler roots, calls for ‘education not indoctrination’ in campaign launchDutton released a policy document on his plans to “Get Australia Back On Track” as he spruiks his alternative vision for the country.
Read more »
Dutton pitches suburban battler roots, calls for ‘education not indoctrination’ in campaign launchDutton released a policy document on his plans to “Get Australia Back On Track” as he spruiks his alternative vision for the country.
Read more »