Federal and Victorian Coalition Governments will deliver the $13 billion Melbourne Airport Rail Link providing reliable 30 minute travel from the CBD, reduced congestion on the Tullamarine Freeway and local roads, connections to regional rail services and public transport access for airport precinct workers.
An elected Dutton Littleproud Coalition Government will increase federal funding for Melbourne Airport Rail by $1.5 billion, to $6.5 billion - the full 50 per cent share of the estimated $13 billion cost of the project under Victoria's 2022 Big Build Airport Rail Business Case.
This will be matched with $1.5 billion by a future Victorian Liberals and Nationals Government, in addition to Victoria's existing $5 billion commitment.
The Airport Rail Link is a long overdue piece of transport infrastructure vital to the future growth of Melbourne, and a Coalition Government at both levels of representation will make it a reality.
Delivering an efficient rail connection for urban and regional passengers to the airport will be a transformative investment in the future of Melbourne and Victoria.
Melbourne deserves a world class gateway and we can provide that in partnership with Melbourne Airport and a willing Victorian Government by delivering a first class rail connection to the CBD.
Once delivered it is estimated the Airport Rail Link will carry 6,600 passengers per hour from the first day of operation. It will also make it easier and more efficient for staff working at the airport precinct to get to and from work each day.
A Dutton Coalition Government will prioritise the Melbourne Airport Rail Link and cancel the Albanese Government's $2.2 billion commitment towards Jacinta Allan's $200 billion Suburban Rail Loop which is an unfunded, cruel hoax of a project.
We have listened and acted on Infrastructure Australia's damning assessment of the Suburban Rail Loop, a project that everyone knows would never be delivered.
Delivering Melbourne Airport Rail Link is our first priority. Upgrades at Sunshine Station providing connectivity for regional and suburban passengers to the airport, as outlined in the Melbourne Airport Rail Business Case, will also be delivered within the scope of the additional $3 billion joint commitment with the Victorian Opposition.
A Dutton Coalition Government will reinvest every dollar of the $4.2 billion of federal funding for SRL and SRL Sunshine Station into other Victorian road and rail projects, like extending the Frankston line to Langwarrin and Baxter, and duplicating Donnybrook Road and planning for the extension of the Upfield line in Melbourne's north.
Victoria will be better off in infrastructure funding under a Dutton Coalition Government.
After repeated instances of violent, criminal behaviour, including bashing of women, by members of the CFMEU, the Coalition will deregister this militant union and ensure that major infrastructure projects are delivered more efficiently under the Coalition Government.
We will commit a further $50 million to deliver individual plans for future public transport options in Melbourne's eastern and western suburbs. These studies will collaborate with local councils and communities and be delivered within the next term of government.
Our plans will map out a vision for public transport to address congestion in Melbourne's suburbs which have been impacted by Labor losing control of the migration program by bringing in 1.8 million people over five years.
Victoria is being let down by bad Labor Governments in Canberra and Spring Street. There is a better way. Building the quality infrastructure that Victorians need is all part of the Coalition's plan to get this great state and our great country back on track.
