Coming on the back of the Government’s recent announcement of a $50 billion suburban rail link, Roads Australia President David Stuart-Watt said the Opposition’s $19 billion regional rail link project puts transport ‘front and centre’ in the minds of voters ahead of next month’s poll.
“We’re especially pleased to see all major parties recognising the importance of rail in the context of an integrated transport system – particularly in terms of moving people efficiently across regional Victoria and around suburban Melbourne,” Mr Stuart-Watt said.
“Victoria is already building a great road network, and by complementing it with improved rail infrastructure and services, Victorians will be well placed to meet the challenges posed by population growth in the future.”
Mr Stuart-Watt said the business cases for major transport projects proposed by both parties would need to be rigorously tested by both Infrastructure Australia and Infrastructure Victoria.
“Regardless of who wins in November, it’s important that we examine these projects clinically and critically, with a view to ensuring Victorian taxpayers get the best bang for their buck,” he said.