Nearly 12 months since being elected, the Baillieu Government is being pressed to complete the Regional Rail Link quickly, as Victoria’s population continues to boom.
The Baillieu Government faces continued pressure to rigorously expand Victorian infrastructure.
Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry spokesperson, Chris James says that rapid population growth and increased popularity of public transport make completing projects such as the Regional Rail Link (RRL) critical.
“As the population increases, it’s vital that we take steps to improve public transport,” he said.
The Victorian Government’s Minister for Public Transport, Terry Mulder said that his party are committed to completing the RRL.
“It is a vital piece of infrastructure for both the booming western suburbs and regional Victoria,” he said.
The minister said due to the deferral of some Federal Government funding, the RRL is unlikely to be completed until at least 2016.
Municipal Association of Victoria President, Councillor Bill McArthur says residents in Melbourne’s fringe areas, such as Wyndham in Melbourne’s south-west – are hardest hit by the project’s delay.
“Wyndham certainly is under a lot of pressure with community infrastructure (and) connectivity,” he said.
Wyndham City Council Mayor, Councillor John Menegazzo said the RRL is vital to relieve road and rail congestion.
“I commend the State Government on its commitment to the RRL project however we must continue to highlight the sense of urgency,” he said.
