$1.8 billion record transport investment to help meet the needs of a booming population

Track upgrades, increased train reliability and significant metropolitan and regional road projects are the centrepiece of the Brumby Labor Government’s record $1.8 billion investment in transport, unveiled in the 2008-09 State Budget.

Public Transport Minister, Lynne Kosky and Roads and Ports Minister, Tim Pallas said the 2008-09 Budget would invest $239.8 million into freight and port access projects; $794.1 million into the public transport network and rail freight and port projects and $769.7 million for building better roads.

Ms Kosky said the Premier, John Brumby, had nominated improving public transport and tackling congestion as priorities for the Victorian Government, and the 2008-09 State Budget showed the Government was taking action to deliver better public transport across the state.

“Public transport patronage has grown by almost 20 per cent over the last two years and the metropolitan rail network is carrying the highest number of passengers in the State’s history – more than 189.4 million trips a year,” Ms Kosky said.

“Population growth has outstripped previous forecasts and is placing pressure on our transport system. The Brumby Labor Government is taking action now to deliver better public transport infrastructure and services for our booming population.”

Key projects under the Brumby Labor Government’s rail and bus package include:

• $92.6 million for a third track at Laverton to run “short starters” and allow for three additional morning peak-hour services on the Werribee line, cutting journey times by eight minutes and improving reliability for Geelong V/Line services;
• $153 million for the Westall Rail Upgrade, to run three more morning peak-hour services on the Dandenong line to relieve overcrowding and improve reliability for V/Line services to the Latrobe Valley;
• $254.5 million for renewal and maintenance on all regional passenger rail lines, including the popular Regional Fast Rail corridors and $7.4 million for Bendigo Corridor Safety Improvements;
• $30.2 million for the Craigieburn Track Upgrade to run two more morning peak services and improve reliability of V/Line services to Seymour and Albury;
• $35 million for station upgrades at Prahran, Windsor and Noble Park, and up to 1700 parking spaces across 10 suburban stations in the second phase of the Park and Ride program;
• $117.1 million to improve bus, train and tram services, including the biggest upgrade of coach services in Gippsland and Bass Coast Shire, increased frequency on the Eastern Freeway routes to Doncaster, increased Night Rider services, more funding for new metropolitan bus contracts and tracking system and minor works to improve train and tram maintenance;
• $84.4 million for the road and public transport elements of Keeping Melbourne Moving, the Brumby Labor Government’s action plan on congestion; and
• $12 million over two years for the successful Early Bird Metcard which was rolled out across all metropolitan rail lines in March.

Almost $68.4 million will be invested to upgrade and maintain key grain freight lines.

“Planning for the longer term is also a priority, with $10.4 million to start design of the rail extension to South Morang,” Ms Kosky said.

“A major $14.7 million upgrade of coach services in Gippsland will increase services four-fold, with new routes and connections over the next 18 months.

“Communities in South Gippsland and the Bass Coast Shire will have more frequent public transport services than ever before.”

Roads Minister Tim Pallas said the rapid growth in Melbourne’s population meant the need to invest in our transport network was more urgent than ever.

“As well as long term planning, like the East-West Needs Study, the Brumby Labor Government is taking short and medium-term action to invest in the State’s road network,” Mr Pallas said.