Level crossing removals that would increase rail safety and allow commuters to get home to their loved ones quicker must be funded in this week’s State Budget.
These are in addition to the level crossing removals that are either under construction, planned or completed to date.
Projects such as level crossing removals will create jobs Victorians need right now, unlike Labor’s pie-in-the-sky Suburban Rail Loop that risks not starting for years.
The Liberal Nationals have a strong track record on delivering level crossing removals, having completed five when last in office, funded an additional eight in the 2014-15 Budget and funded planning for 14 more.
This year’s State Budget should make provisions for urgent commencement of level crossing removals at Madden Grove, Burnley, Glenferrie Road, Kooyong, Tooronga Road, Malvern and High Street, Glen Iris on the Glen Waverley line.
Three of these level crossings are already supported by $250 million of Federal Government funding so there is no excuse for the Andrews Labor Government to be dragging its heels.
The Andrews Labor Government continues to fight tooth and nail at VCAT to deny access under Freedom of Information to options for the removal of the Glenferrie Road, Kooyong and Tooronga Road, Malvern level crossings that were considered at the time of the removal of the Toorak Road, Kooyong level crossing.
The local community deserves to know what removal options for these crossings have already been considered by the State Government, options the Andrews Labor Government is determined to keep a tightly guarded secret.
Labor has no plan for the economic recovery for Victoria. Only the Liberal Nationals offer a safe pair of hands and a post-COVID-19 plan.
Comments attributable to Shadow Minister for Transport Infrastructure, David Davis:
“These overlooked level crossing removal projects would help provide a boost to construction activity and jobs. The Andrews Labor Government needs to share with the local community options for their removal that have already been considered and to commit to their early removal.
“This urgent spending on level crossing removals will support construction jobs and economic activity.
“Funding to rapidly commence these level crossing removals must be provided in the State Budget on 20 May. The Federal Government has put money on the table and now it is Labor’s turn.
“Labor’s lack of a plan puts Victoria’s economic recovery at risk. Only the Liberal Nationals have a plan to get Victoria Back to Work.”
