Project stalling claims

MP accuses state of delays ahead of election

THE State Government is stalling on Geelong’s important infrastructure projects to allow for a vote-enticing preelection splurge, a Liberal MP has warned.

But the Victorian Labor Government has hit back, claiming the Commonwealth was holding back regional rail funding it owed the state after Victorian Federal MP Darren Chester was dumped from cabinet during a ministerial re- shuffle late last year.

Yesterday, Western Victoria Liberal MP Simon Ramsay accused the State Government of ‘playing games’ with taxpayers’ money by delaying $3 billion worth of projects, including road and rail projects in the Geelong region.

“What Victorians will see ahead of the November state election is a flurry of action to make it look like this Government has done something,” Mr Ramsay said.

“The Turnbull Federal Government has given funding for rail and road projects in Victoria that will improve safety and travel times.

“This money needs to be spent to make those projects happen now and not when it suits Mr Andrews.”

But Victorian Major Projects Minister Jacinta Allan said Victoria had nearly reached Regional Rail Revival agreement last year before Mr Chester was replaced as infrastructure minister by Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce.

“Late last year, we had almost reached agreement for the release of funding for the Regional Rail Revival with the Commonwealth, then Victoria lost Darren Chester as Minister,” Ms Allan said.

“In his place, we gained a Federal Infrastructure Minister clearly focused on other things, but we are not losing our focus — we’re continuing to lobby for Victoria’s money to be released without further delay.”

Mr Ramsay accused the Government of delaying major projects including the duplication of the Midland Highway between Geelong and Bannockburn and the duplication of the Waurn Ponds to South Geelong rail line.

“If only this was a joke. Warrnambool and Geelong commuters don’t think it’s funny,” he said.

“Nor will the rapidly growing number of residents along the Surf Coast waiting these works to enable the construction of the Surf Coast Rail project with a rail line to Torquay.”

The Liberal MP’s criticism comes amid an ongoing stoush over Victorian Regional Rail Package funding, with the State Government claiming the Commonwealth is yet to deliver on promised funding.