The Sydney-centric Turnbull Government has gutted the biggest package regional rail upgrade in Victoria’s history, and abandoned the $39 million upgrade of the Ararat line.
Last night’s Federal Budget pours money into projects for Sydney, while the Turnbull Government continues to rip off regional Victoria.
The Andrews Labor Government recently announced it would use the $1.46 billion it is owed through the Asset Recycling Initiative to run faster trains, more often to Ararat.
Malcolm Turnbull’s budget removes every cent of that money, meaning passengers in Western Victoria will not get the better services they need and deserve.
The massive funding cut is a huge kick in the guts for the local community who need the improved infrastructure and extra services that this upgrade brings.
While Sydney was the big winner, Victoria’s share of infrastructure funding remains at less than 10 per cent, a massive shortfall compared to our population share of 25 per cent.
Once again the Liberals Federal Member for Wannon Dan Tehan, has failed the local community and the people he is supposed to represent.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Public Transport Jacinta Allan
“Once again Malcolm Turnbull and his Sydney-centric government is ripping off Victorians and our regional communities are paying the price.”
“Malcolm Turnbull has gutted the biggest package of regional rail upgrades in Victoria’s history and is instead spending up big in Sydney.”
Quote attributable to Member for Western Victoria Jaala Pulford
“Dan Tehan needs to start sticking up for local passengers, who are getting short-changed by his Government.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020