Transport centre stage in Vic
AAP
Politicians agree. The Victorian election will be a choice between infrastructure projects.
Melbourne’s public transport will get a $3.9 billion boost if the Coalition is re-elected at the November state election.
The plan, which would deliver 75 new trains, 75 new trams and 24 rail cars for the V/Line network and boost passenger numbers by 150,000 a day and create 3500 new jobs, was announced at the Liberal Party’s campaign launch on Sunday.
Congestion on the Tullamarine Freeway is a vote winner, say Vic politicians. Photo: AAP
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Public Transport Minister Terry Mulder said the plan would build on an existing order of new trains and trams.
“From July next year, you’ll see a new train each and every month over the next 10 years,” Mr Mulder said.
“It’s going to be an enormous boost and it gives continuity to the manufacturing sector.”
That’s on top of the East West Link and a host of other promises made as campaigning intensified over the weekend, including $100 cash back to parents of kindergarten kids under a returned Napthine government.
That initiative will cost $23 million over four years and will not be means tested.
“This makes kindergarten more affordable for all families, so that more children can access our great kindergarten program,” Dr Napthine said.
He said 200,000 families are expected to benefit from the initiative.
The Prime Minister even chimed in, telling Victorians that the election is a referendum on the East West Link.
“It is a referendum on the plan that this Premier has and no-one else has, to build a modern 21st century city with 21st century infrastructure,” Mr Abbott said.
But the Labor Opposition refuses to be outdone on issues that require politicians to wear hardhats and high visibility outerwear.
Deputy Opposition Leader James Merlino said the Prime Minister was right about Victorians having a clear choice.
“There is a clear plan from the Labor party – the removal of 50 of our most dangerous and congested level crossings, getting along with the job of Melbourne metro.
“That’s what Labor will be delivering.”
On the weekend, Premier Napthine also promised to finish widening the Tullamarine Freeway to Melbourne Airport if it is re-elected on November 29.
Last month the Coalition made an $850 million deal with Transurban to widen the road from the West Gate Freeway to Melrose Drive.
But Opposition leader Daniel Andrews said Labor announced the same widening project last year.
“The Premier is out there today, a year after Labor announced exactly the same upgrade,” he said.
While Mr Abbott said the federal government contribution would be available if the Coalition was re-elected, he dodged questions on whether they would fund Labor’s plan if they win the November 29 election.
“We want someone who believes in proper infrastructure for Melbourne to work with us as our partner,” he said.
“The money is available to get this project done but it will never happen under Labor because Labor believes in Green deals.”
RACV public policy general manager Brian Negus welcomed the announcement.
“The upgrade of the Tullamarine Freeway is long overdue and will greatly improve travel time, reduce delays and provide an impetus to the air freight sector,” he said.
“RACV has consistently called for an integrated and balanced transport plan to tackle the problems affecting Melbourne’s transport networks.”
—with AAP, ABC