<span class="" id="parent-fieldname-description"> Frankston line to get $100m upgrade Member for Hunter seeks Scone overpass Vic government commissions Mildura-Menindee study </span> <p><u>Frankston line to get $100m upgrade</u></p><p>In a move seen by many as a vote-grab, Victoria’s Coalition government will spend $100 million upgrading stations on the Frankston line, as well as adding live transport connection updates.</p><p>Upgraded signaling equipment is also set to be installed on the busy passenger line, which should increase service reliability.</p><p>The seat of Frankston is currently held by independent MP Geoff Shaw, and many commentators see the move as an attempt to take seat back from the minister, who deserted the parliamentary Liberal party on March 6.</p><p><u>Member for Hunter seeks Scone overpass</u></p><p>Federal member for Hunter Joel Fitzgibbon has implored Scone business leaders to back an overpass in the small New South Wales town, rather than a bypass, to solve the issue of more frequent, and longer, coal trains passing through several times each day.</p><p>In a letter quoted in local publication the Newcastle Herald, the minister said the NSW Roads and Maritime Services was “poised” to recommend a bypass for the town.</p><p>But Fitzgibbon believes a bypass is too expensive and would still leave the town with a level crossing which would disrupt traffic. He instead is arguing the case for an overpass.</p><p>“I want a solution that works, is realistically affordable and can be built in a timely manner,” he was quoted.</p><p>“My god, can we just get on with it.”</p><p><u>Vic government commissions Mildura-Menindee study</u></p><p>Victoria’s state government has reportedly commissioned international engineering firm GHD to conduct a study of the virtues of a mooted Mildura to Menindee standard gauge rail link, which one local solicitor has called “the missing link in the matrix of our national rail network.”</p><p>State transport minister Terry Mulder is reported to be in favour of the proposal, saying it would fuel economic growth in regional Victoria.</p><p>“If economically feasible, this new rail link would provide an important interstate connection for moving freight to port for export and help develop the export opportunities of mineral resources,” the minister was quoted in the Herald Sun.</p>
