The federal Labor opposition has promised to provide $300 million in funding for the Victorian government’s proposed $50 billion Suburban Rail Loop project, six weeks out from the state election.
The funding proposal from federal Labor would match the Andrews government’s pre-election commitment, making a total of $600 million for planning, engineering, design and pre-construction to enable major works to get underway in 2022.
Federal shadow transport minister Anthony Albanese said that Labor’s investment would enable the development of a business case for the rail project.
“This is the sort of vision Melbourne needs – to keep up with the demands of Australia’s fastest growing capital city, investment in world-class, modern transport network is critical,” Albanese said.
The Suburban Rail Loop, an underground, 90-kilometre ring of passenger rail around Melbourne, would connect every major rail line will carry 400,000 passengers each day, taking thousands off existing citybound trains and 200,000 vehicles off the city’s roads, Labor has claimed.
“It will connect the suburbs directly to major employment hubs, universities, TAFE and hospitals outside the city, making it much easier for Victorians to get around for work and recreation,” said Albanese.
“Labor’s investment will help finalise exact station locations, route alignments, rolling stock and staging, and get construction underway faster.”
Labor has said that expert analysis shows that the project will slash travel times across the city, enabling commuters to travel from Box Hill to the airport in 25 minutes, Monash Clayton in around 15 minutes, and from Broadmeadows to Deakin Burwood in less than 25 minutes.
Albanese claimed the project will provide a major boost to the Victorian economy, creating 20,000 jobs in the construction phase alone and employing 2000 apprentices.
“Labor understands how important it is to invest in decent public transport that will take the pressure off our cities, ease traffic congestion, and connect the suburbs and the regions – bringing jobs and apprenticeships along the way,” Albanese said.