Member for South West Coast Roma Britnell has welcomed the Federal Coalition Government’s delivery of $1.7 billion for regional rail, including $114 million for the Warrnambool line.
This funding follows the announcement made by Matthew Guy earlier this month for the largest investment in regional rail rolling stock for a generation.
An elected Liberal Nationals Government in Victoria will invest $633 million to purchase 96 new long haul trains to replace the ageing diesel-hauled fleet currently servicing regional Victoria.
“I’ve been out talking to people about our commitment for new trains this week, and the key message I receive is it’s about time,” Mrs Britnell said.
“For too long, country Victorians have been treated as second-class by successive Labor governments.
“Daniel Andrews will try and claim this upgrade of the Warrnambool line is being funded by his Government, but in reality every dollar for the project is coming from a Federal Liberal National Government.
“It was the Napthine Liberal Nationals Government that invested $100 million to build a new passing loop on the Warrnambool line, replacing the one ripped out by the Bracks/Brumby Labor Government, to allow for additional services on the line.
“The Liberals Nationals are the only ones with a plan to help grow regional areas. Unlike the city-centric Labor Government, we understand the country, we know how it works, and we will ensure the country is respected and connected.
“The Liberal Nationals are the only party at a state and federal level to listen to the community and invest in the Warrnambool Line.”
