Coalition boosts North East rail work

THE Victorian Liberal Nationals welcome the Federal Coalition Government’s $1.7 billion announcement for regional rail, says Deputy Opposition Leader Peter Walsh.

This commitment follows the announcement made by Matthew Guy and Peter Walsh 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.

The Federal Government’s $1.7 billion investment complements our commitment to deliver new rolling stock.

For too long, country Victorians have been treated as second-class by successive Labor governments.

A Liberal Nationals Government in Victoria will give country Victorians the first class rail service they deserve.

We need to work to improve our regional transport connections to help decentralise our population and ease the squeeze on Melbourne’s population.

That is why the Liberal Nationals have established the Victorian population policy taskforce to plan for Victoria’s future.

Comments attributable to Shadow Minister for Regional Victoria and Decentralisation, Peter Walsh:

“Country Victorians deserve a rail service that is fast and reliable, but three years of excuses from the Andrews Labor Government has left us facing constant delays and cancellations.

“The Victorian Liberal Nationals’ investment in new trains will deliver a modern, safe, and comfortable fleet for our regional rail network.”

Comments attributable to Shadow Minister for Public Transport, David Davis:

“Daniel Andrews is the Premier for Melbourne – Matthew Guy will be Premier for all of Victoria.

“Daniel Andrews has delayed and dithered for years on essential upgrades, he is now out of excuses and should get on with providing country Victorians the service they deserve.”

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