Reports today that the Warrnambool Line Stage Two upgrade, which is currently under construction and would enable modern VLocity trains to finally serve Warrnambool, could be cancelled are deeply concerning.
Member for South-West Coast, Roma Britnell, said the Andrews Government’s inability to properly manage major projects in Melbourne had put vital infrastructure projects in regional Victoria at risk.
“When Daniel Andrews flew into Warrnambool to announce VLocity trains more than half a decade ago, our community didn’t expect that after years of delays, the upgrade could be scrapped due to a review,” Ms Britnell said.
“The fact Labor even needs to review an underway project is a sad reflection of the dire budget situation Victoria is in.
“It’s time the Premier kept his promise and delivered the infrastructure and services we desperately need.”
Existing services on the Warrnambool line continue to be inadequate for many commuters, particularly those with increased accessibility needs.
Despite the former Federal Coalition Government providing 80 per cent of the funding for the upgrades, Daniel Andrews and Jacinta Allan’s mismanagement of key projects has put vital projects at risk.
“The inconvenience for many Warrnambool Line users who have spent weeks on rail replacement buses will all be for nothing if these vital upgrades are put on the chopping block.
“It’s not just about improving our rail services; it’s about completing a federally funded project that has caused years of disruption and been promised to our community.
“Our community, and regional Victorians more broadly, deserve a government that looks beyond Melbourne and supports public transport and infrastructure in our growing regional communities.”
