Reports of axed rail lines for Melton and Wyndham Vale just more “broken promises” for regional Victoria

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MEDIA RELEASE 3 August 2023

Greens MP Sarah Mansfield says reports of axed rail lines for Melton and Wyndham Vale just more “broken promises” for regional Victoria

Greens MP for Western Victoria Dr Sarah Mansfield says reports the Victorian Labor Government has axed proposed rail lines to Wyndham Vale and Melton is further evidence of a Government happy to leave the regions struggling.

The Age reported on 2 August that the promised rail lines included in the 2018 pre-election “Western Rail Plan” are now off the table, according to Rail Project Victoria reports received through the Freedom of Information Act.

Dr Mansfield says the City of Melton is the fastest growing region in Australia and is in desperate need of public transport services that meet demand for the 73% of workforce that leave the municipality daily. 

The City of Wyndham is also an area experiencing rapid growth with a 34% increase in the number of households since 2016. 

Currently, both Wyndham Vale and Melton are only serviced by diesel V-line trains on the Geelong and Ballarat lines which are already overcrowded and struggling to meet demand. 

The Greens say they want answers from the Government on what pre-election promises will be delivered to help increase frequency and capacity of public transport services to Melton and Wyndham Vale.

Image Source: Julian Meehan

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QUOTES ATTRIBUTABLE TO DR SARAH MANSFIELD

“This sounds like more broken promises from the Victorian Labor Government who have made it clear they’re happy to turn their back on regions struggling with sub-par public transport infrastructure.

“These are the fastest growing regions in Victoria and they need the Labor Government to be increasing public transport services not stepping back from its commitments.

“We want confirmation that electrification of existing lines will go-ahead as promised, and that the Government has a plan to get on with duplication and regional fast rail which we desperately need to cope with demand.”

MEDIA CONTACT

Melanie Drummond

EMAIL: melanie.drummond@parliament.vic.gov.au

PHONE: (03) 5222 1941

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