This week the Victorian Government released is Budget for 2024-2025, which has retained the transformative Suburban Rail Loop project with an estimated total cost of up to $34.5 billion, with $2.3 billion already committed to early works for the project. The Victorian Government is seeking further matching contributions from the Commonwealth Government for the project.
The Budget also confirmed that due to an ongoing dispute between Melbourne Airport and the Victorian Government on the proposed design of the Airport Rail Link, the project is expected to be delayed by at least four years. With the Commonwealth Government recently appointing a mediator, it is critical that a solution for the project be agreed upon as soon as possible to avoid further unnecessary delays. Melbourne remains one of the very few large capital cities in the developed world without a dedicated rail link to the airport.
The Budget also confirmed the Victorian Government’s focus on operationalising the ‘Big Build’ and provided the following new investments relevant to rail:
- $752 million to operate and maintain metropolitan rail assets as they are delivered onto the public transport network, including level crossing removals, station and line upgrades, and other network improvements, ensuring that the benefits of the Government’s public transport infrastructure investment continue to be realised
- $233 million to continue preparation activities for the opening of the new Metro Tunnel, including continuing recruitment and training of train drivers and other critical staff, and completing trial operations and activities to support the network integration and operation of the Metro Tunnel
- $133 million to support regional passenger rail network operations, including operating and maintenance costs for Regional Rail Revival program assets, rolling stock and other regional network assets, remediation works on the Geelong Tunnel and renewal of V/Line’s Operational Control Systems to ensure safety and reliability of train services and prevent line closures
- $180 million to maintain the current digital train radio system to ensure the continuity, reliability, and efficiency of train services
- $80 million to deliver periodic and routine maintenance works on freight rail corridors across Victoria, ensuring safety standards and the sustainability of Victoria’s freight rail infrastructure.