I write to correct issues confronting the progress of the Geelong Rail Duplication project as reported in your story “Regional delegation heads to capital for rail duplication funding’ (GA, March 11).
The characterisation by G21 that this is a project hampered by the Commonwealth’s refusal to bring forward $700 million in funding is just wrong.
We have been anxious to bring forward infrastructure spending in Victoria but the real issue here is the Victorian Government is refusing to bring forward this vitally important project.
The Prime Minister wrote to the Victorian Premier in August 2019 offering to fast-track infrastructure projects by bringing forward infrastructure spending.
The Victorian Government selected a number of projects but refused to fast-track the Geelong rail duplication.
This was a slap in the face to thousands of frustrated commuters living in Geelong and Corangamite.
That stage one of these works – including a small amount of duplicated track and the pedestrian overpass – are the only works which are scheduled is an absolute disgrace.
The Victorian Government must urgently finalise stages two and three of this project so that the full duplication of the track and the construction of a tunnel between South Geelong and Geelong can commence.
Ms Carbines should join with me and demand that state Labor gets this important project moving.
11 March 2020