Federal Member for Flinders, the Hon Greg Hunt MP and Federal Member for Dunkley, Chris Crewther MP were thrilled to help secure the Coalition Government’s $225 million investment into the duplication and electrification of the Frankston rail line to Baxter.
The electrification project is expected to create almost 4,000 jobs and provide much needed relief for the thousands of locals who must travel to Frankston station each day to commute to work.
Minister Hunt said the project provides a common sense solution for local residents and businesses, which helps plan for the continued growth of the Mornington Peninsula.
“This project has been a priority for local councils and residents alike for many years,” Minister Hunt said. “A metro station at Baxter will provide easy access to rail services for local commuters and help ease congestion around Frankston.”
“This extension will mean better connectivity of Victoria’s rail and road infrastructure, less congestion on our local roads and help ensure Australian workers get home quicker and safer.
“I am delighted to have helped secure this vital funding and I urge the Victorian Government to act to bring this project to completion.”
Federal Member for Dunkley, Chris Crewther MP, echoed Minister Hunt’s comments, saying the funding meant Frankston City and the Mornington Peninsula residents could spend more time at home with family and more time doing the things that really matter.
“The Turnbull Coalition Government has committed and budgeted $225 million to get works underway on the electrification and duplication of the Frankston train line to Baxter, which is crucial for our local area,” Mr Crewther said.
“This project will benefit our local community and is an example of the Coalition Government taking real action to better connect our community, provide growth and business opportunities, alleviate parking pressures in the Frankston CBD, improve education opportunities through better access to the Monash University Peninsula Campus and hopefully provide park and ride facilities at a number of local train stations.”
“The electrification and duplication of the Frankston line has been central in my advocacy at the federal level, something which I have been working towards achieving since even before my election into the federal parliament.”
Minister for Urban Infrastructure and Cities Paul Fletcher said the 2018 Budget was a blueprint for delivering the transformational roads and rail required to meet the growing needs of modern Australia.
“The Turnbull Government has a clear focus on easing congestion and improving connectivity in our cities and suburbs and the 2018 Budget is the roadmap for how we will achieve this,” Mr Fletcher said.
“The Government is committed to improving Australia’s rail network; ensuring people can move around our city centres more efficiently and better connecting our cities and our regions.”
More programs and projects will be announced in 2018-19 Federal Budget Treasurer’s Address from 7:30pm on Tuesday 8 May.