Monday 25 March – With an election fast approaching, both the Coalition and the opposition are swinging into campaign mode, with the Government throwing its support behind high-speed rail, as part of a broader plan to connect capital cities with regional centres.
The recent announcement includes plans for a $2 billion fast rail between Geelong and Melbourne, forming part of the Government’s 20-year fast rail plan, which is also investing $40 million for detailed assessments of five additional corridors for fast rail between:
Brisbane to the Gold Coast
Melbourne to Albury-Wodonga
Melbourne to Traralgon
Sydney to Wollongong
Sydney to Parkes
Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the investment in infrastructure would give time back to commuters and enable more people to live in regions and work in cities.
“As our population grows, fast rail networks are crucial to easing the congestion pressures in our cities and shaping Australia’s future.”
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said faster rail services meant greater accessibility to regional Australia.
“Faster rail services not only help to ease road congestion, it also means more people can access regional centres such as Geelong and wider region with reliable transport connections, which helps to generate more growth opportunities, beyond the city limits,” the Deputy Prime Minister said.
