Metro Rail funding and the South Yarra Interchange

Shadow Minister for Public Transport, David Hodgett

Before the last election, Daniel Andrews claimed all promises, such as the Metro Rail project, were fully funded.

At last week’s budget, Daniel Andrews re-confirmed that the state government could fully fund the Metro Rail project but could not afford the less than $800 million extra required to include the South Yarra Interchange station.

Today’s report that the Turnbull Government will contribute an extra $857 million for the construction of the Metro Rail project should be used to build the South Yarra Interchange.

Given that Daniel Andrews claims he has now funded the Metro Rail project but can’t afford to build the South Yarra Interchange, this extra money from the Turnbull Government can be used to build this important interchange.

Almost everyone agrees Melbourne needs an extra north-south rail link through the city, but we need to make sure we get it right.  Not including an interchange station at South Yarra, the biggest station outside of the city, is poor planning and short-sighted.

Victorians do not want to see another Labor disaster like Myki and the desalination plant.

Media contact:  Jemma Townson  0438 534 111 jemma.townson@opposition.vic.gov.au