The biggest upgrade of Warrnambool’s rail line looks assured with the state government on Monday night celebrating securing $114 million from the federal government for the project.
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Premier Daniel Andrews said the standoff between his government and the federal government had resulted in a win for regional Victorians.
Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull wrote to the state government on Monday, offering the cash injection.
It comes after The Standard reported on Saturday the state government had provided detailed costings and plans for the proposed project – something Wannon MP Dan Tehan said helped boost the likelihood of the funding becoming available.
The state and the federal governments had been at odds since May over funding with Canberra refusing to commit to the project until the state had provided costings and plans.
Mr Turnbull officially ended the impasse with his letter.
“I agree that Victorians deserve better public transport, no matter where they live,” he said.
“That is why I am pleased to confirm that the Commonwealth will provide $1.42 billion towards the regional rail upgrades that your government has requested.”
Other projects to be funded include $110 million for the Surf Coast line, including the duplication of lines at Waurn Ponds, and $555.6 million for the Ballarat line.
Duplication of lines at Waurn Ponds and Geelong will speed up Melbourne to Warrnambool rail trips.
Premier Daniel Andrews said the funding was a win for regional Victoria.
“We said we would fight every day to get the money that was owed to Victorians and that’s exactly what we’ve done,” he said. “This is a once in a generation investment that will upgrade every single regional passenger line in Victoria and create more than a thousand jobs.
Wannon MP Dan Tehan said it was a fantastic outcome.
“It’s a great result for the community and something the community really wanted,” he said. “It’s terrific that the federal government has delivered.”