A Shorten Labor Government will move quickly to deliver the much-needed Frankston to Baxter Rail Upgrade, building on the significant investment the Andrews Labor Government has made in Frankston infrastructure.
Federal Labor is an advocate of the electrification and duplication of the Stony Point Line to Baxter to improve train services for commuters across Dunkley and on the Mornington Peninsula.
In 2016, Federal Labor committed funding for a business case to ensure the project could proceed as soon as possible upon the election of a Federal Labor Government.
Currently thousands of Dunkley and Peninsula residents drive and park at Frankston, Kananook or Seaford stations because the Metro line service ends at Frankston.
A Federal Labor Government will electrify and duplicate the track to Baxter, giving commuters better access to high quality public transport and park-and-ride options
The project will reduce travelling times, increase capacity and above all, get commuters home earlier so they can spend more time with their families.
Shadow Infrastructure Minister Anthony Albanese said the project was part of Labor’s commitment to increase public transport services around the nation, including between capital cities and regional centres.
“In 2013 the incoming Coalition Government cancelled all Federal investment in public transport projects that were not already under construction because it does not understand the daily needs of Australians,’’ Mr Albanese said.
“Playing catch up, the Liberals have now put $225 million on the table for the Baxter project, but none of that money is available in 2018-2019. In fact, over 70 per cent of the Liberal’s promised funding won’t flow for at least another four years.
“Delivery of this project is off on the Never Never.
“Labor will do better.”
Federal Labor will work with and build on the current State Labor Government investments in level crossing removals, Frankston Station Precinct redevelopment and Chisholm TAFE redevelopment. In the past five years the Federal Liberals’ haven’t contribute to one single major project in Frankston.
Labor understands that governments must invest in both roads and urban passenger rail if we are to meet the needs of our growing population and make up for the Coalition’s inaction.
The Labor candidate for Dunkley, Peta Murphy, said Labor does not just talk about infrastructure projects, we deliver them.
“Only a Federal Labor Government will make sure that the extension of the line to Baxter, benefiting residents in Frankston and the Peninsula, becomes a reality”, said Ms Murphy.