Fast train a good deal for cities
PRIME Minister Scott Morrison says a $2 billion investment to run bullet trains between Geelong and Melbourne will change the fortunes of both cities despite scepticism over his costings.
Mr Morrison visited Geelong yesterday to unveil more details about the nation’s first high-speed train project, which would halve journey times to 30 minutes.
While the announcement was welcomed by the city’s mayor and long-suffering commuters, Labor denounced the move as a “thought bubble” designed to retain the Coalition’s hold on the marginal seat of Corangamite.
The State Government says the total bill could be up to $15 billion.
The eye-catching project would involve three components, the Government says.
The first stage would see the line from Southern Cross station to Sunshine station upgraded as part of the $10 billion commitment to airport rail.
About $2 billion will be spent on the second stage duplicating the line from Sunshine to Wyndham Vale.
The new line would then connect with the existing line with a further $2 billion required for better signalling and upgraded railway stations.
Mr Morrison, who was joined by Corangamite MP Sarah Henderson, said the investment — which would require a matching State Government commitment — would be a real game-changer for Geelong and Melbourne.
“An opportunity for a halfhour rail trip between Geelong and Melbourne will change not only Geelong and Corangamite but it will also change Melbourne,” he said.
“It will provide the opportunity for satellite cities to take the pressure off those who are living in Melbourne but at the same time open up new opportunities for those who are living in these rapidly growing parts of Victoria.
“This is going to make real choices available to people in Geelong and Corangamite.”
Asked at Geelong railway station whether $4 billion was enough, Mr Morrison was sketchy.
“Well that’s what business cases are for, but that’s our understanding at the moment,” he said.
“If the costs are greater than that, then we’ll have to address that at the time.
“The train never leaves the station unless people get on board and it starts moving.”
The Prime Minister said he hoped State and Federal governments could join on the project as they had done on the proposed multi-billion dollar Melbourne Airport rail link.
He said he called Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews on Thursday night to tell him about the commitment.
However, South Barwon MP Darren Cheeseman said it was another case of “policy on the run” from the Coalition.
“This total of $4 billion is way under on what best estimates shows is a $15 billion project,” Mr Cheeseman said.
Minister for Cities, Urban Infrastructure and Population, Alan Tudge, insisted the project had been properly costed.
“We estimate it will cost in the vicinity of $4 billion all up and that’s the expert estimate from our federal department,” Mr Tudge said.
“It enables the project to be done so you get an average speed of 160km/h — faster in some locations, potentially up to 200km/h — and then slowing down again when stopping at some stations.
“We will need frequent services, I can imagine there will be express services, as well as some services that will have some stops along some of the larger stations along the way, perhaps at Wyndham Vale, Tarneit and Sunshine.”
The funding commitment does not include any money for new rolling stock, which would be the responsibility of the State Government.
Authorities would also need to remove 14 level crossings between Southern Cross station and Geelong.
Greater Geelong Mayor Bruce Harwood welcomed the Government’s pledge of a $2 billion fast-rail commitment if it wins this year’s election.
“Our rail service is under extreme pressure and a highspeed rail is long overdue,” Cr Harwood said. “Commuters are tired of disrupted timetables, long journeys and overcrowding.
“Given the work already done, we believe this project can start immediately.
“Geelong people have waited long enough and the need for this service is urgent.” Government’s