Further doubt has been cast on the viability of the Suburban Rail Loop as reports reveal the Allan Labor Government has moved to limit expenditure on the project until at least 2028.
Reports today state contractors and bidders for works on the project have been informed to keep spending restricted as Labor plans to pay bills in periodic lump sums, rather than as they fall due.
These reports come as the Suburban Rail Loop continues to face a $23 billion funding shortfall, while Victoria's net debt grows by $80 million a day and is set to reach a record $187.8 billion by 2027-28.
Shadow Minister for Transport Infrastructure, David Southwick, said: "With the SRL facing a $23 billion funding shortfall, Labor's capping of contractor payments is a red flag that cannot be ignored.
"Only Labor would be so financially reckless as to sign multi-billion-dollar contracts for a project without secure funding, then be forced to limit payments because of insufficient funds.
"The Suburban Rail loop must be paused because it's a project Victoria cannot afford especially when there is no federal funding.
"Labor cannot manage money, cannot manage major projects and Victorians are paying the price."
