The Australasian Railway Association (ARA) has welcomed confirmation today that existing Suburban Rail Loop (East) contracts will remain unchanged, with the project being essential to Victoria’s future.
ARA Chief Executive Officer Caroline Wilkie said industry had already commenced delivery of the project, which would support the state’s economic development, drive housing and business growth and improve transport connectivity across Melbourne.
“Today’s confirmation that existing contracts will continue as planned is welcomed by industry and provides much needed confidence in the state’s ability to deliver on its project commitments,” Ms Wilkie said.
“The rail industry stands ready to deliver this critical project and we are pleased to see that works already underway can continue with certainty.”
While the ARA recognised that changes to yet to be contracted aspects of the project reflected the need to balance budget constraints within the state, the project must proceed.
The ARA also called for the planned technical review to be completed as soon as possible to reduce industry uncertainty on this critical component of the project.
Ms Wilkie said that it was important to consider the full range of benefits Suburban Rail Loop will deliver.
“Suburban Rail Loop is not just a transport project. It is a catalyst for growth and will help address the housing shortage in Victoria,” Ms Wilkie said.
“The full benefits of the project will extend far beyond its construction and will deliver improved outcomes for Melbourne residents for decades to come.
“It is important that Victoria stays the course with Suburban Rail Loop to unlock these benefits.”
The ARA also noted the Victorian Opposition had renewed its commitment to pausing and reviewing the project.
“While it is important that any government ensures value for money on the projects it invests in, a review cannot be the beginning of a process to slowly cancel the project or descope it to death,” Ms Wilkie said
The ARA has advocated for both the Suburban Rail Loop and the Melbourne Airport Rail Link to proceed, noting that each project delivers different benefits.
Suburban Rail Loop is transformative infrastructure that will improve travel efficiency for over 80 per cent of Melburnians, unlock 70,000 additional homes and improve access to employment, education and health precincts across Melbourne’s east and south-east.
It would provide access to more than 100,000 additional jobs within a one-hour public transport journey, driving the economic development the state desperately needs.
Airport rail will support the growth of the state, help meet population growth and increasing tourism.
It will untangle the Melbourne metropolitan rail network and boost jobs and opportunities in the western and northern suburbs, bringing Melbourne in line with every other major Australian city.
Ms Wilkie said the delivery of Suburban Rail Loop was also critical to maintaining local capability in Victoria.
“The project will ensure the state retains the significant local capability in major project delivery that has been built over the last decade,” Ms Wilkie said.
“Any further uncertainty about Suburban Rail Loop will shake industry confidence, put future projects at risk and ultimately drive up costs.”
ENDS