A future Federal Coalition Government will restore funding to upgrade the Frankston to Baxter Rail Line project.
The Federal Coalition’s announcement today of a capped commitment of up to $900 million supports the delivery of a full business case and will contribute to early works and construction of this critical infrastructure project.
This is a substantial commitment which reflects the importance of delivering this critical project to give residents in Frankston South, Langwarrin, and Baxter faster and more reliable transport services and improved community infrastructure.
We will work with a future Victorian state government that is willing to deliver this project.
Traffic congestion and the availability of public transport is a major problem for this growing region. We have listened to local community concern and we are delivering.
The electrification of the Frankston to Baxter line will improve the efficiency of train services and reduce commuting times.
This project includes new stations at Langwarrin and the Frankston East medical and education precinct, and upgraded stations at Frankston and Baxter.
Importantly, it will reduce travelling times and get local commuters to and from work sooner and safer. In an area which needs these improved services and better infrastructure, it will be a game-changer for Dunkley.
By walking away from the Frankston to Baxter rail project last year – despite promising it at successive federal elections – the Prime Minister has turned his back on the people of Frankston and the Mornington Peninsula.
In this growing region, the Albanese Government has cut this critical infrastructure project, while proceeding with its ‘Big Australia’ policy of an additional 1.6 million migrants entering the country without the infrastructure or housing to accommodate them.
In a speech to the Committee for Greater Frankston in 2018, the Prime Minister told locals that ‘the benefits of this project speak for themselves’, and, in 2019, he called this project ‘transformative’.
Yet his cancellation of this project shows once again that you just cannot take the Prime Minister at his word when he makes a commitment.
The Coalition has long understood this critical project is crucial for Frankston’s future growth and liveability. We are behind it and recognise its importance for the local community while the Prime Minister has cut it.
Nathan Conroy in his time as local Mayor has already proven he will fight for Frankston, and, if elected at the byelection on 2 March, he will continue to deliver for the people of Dunkley.