NO.128

COALITION DELIVERS $2.45 BILLION TRANSPORT POLICY FOR VICTORIA

A re-elected Coalition Government will deliver $2.45 billion for roads and rail as part of our detailed and integrated package for Victoria’s road and rail network.

The Victorian Transport package that I announce today forms a key part of the Coalition’s 2020 Plan for Australia’s Transport Future, an integrated vision tackling local roads and national highways.

Our plan will invest $2.45 billion in building and upgrading Victoria’s roads and railways, including maintenance, between now and 2014.

I am pleased to announce that a key part of this package is $1.4 billion for important highway upgrades in regional Victoria including $288 million specifically towards the construction of the Nagambie Bypass.

Additionally, Melbourne will greatly benefit from $553 million invested in its urban road network.

A re-elected Coalition Government will fund the following road projects in regional Victoria:

• $318 million for the Goulburn Valley Highway including constructing the Nagambie Bypass ($288m) and planning the construction of the Shepparton Bypass and Strathmerton Deviation ($30m);
• $810 million towards works on the Western Highway, including Anthony’s Cutting (Melton to Bacchus Marsh) and Woodman’s Hill at Ballarat. Additionally the highway from Ballarat to Stawell will be duplicated, with more overtaking lanes between Stawell and the border;
• $250 million towards duplicating the Princes Highway between Traralgon and Sale; and
• Up to $30 million towards the cost of the Calder Highway Ravenswood intersection.

Funding for road projects in urban Melbourne includes;

• $200 million towards the strengthening of the West Gate Bridge;
• $150 million towards constructing Frankston Bypass
• $80 million for two road overpasses at Mill Park and South Morang to enable the extension of the rail line from Epping through to Mernda
• $55 million towards the Whitehorse Road/Springvale Road intersection in Nunawading, bringing our total commitment up to $80 million.
• Up to $36 million for the Kings Road intersection on the Calder Freeway at Taylors Lakes;
• $25 million towards the duplication of Clyde Road in Berwick
• $5 million towards the installation of noise barriers on the Princes Highway and $2 million for the installation of traffic lights at the intersection of the Princes Highway and Old Princes Highway with both projects situated in Beaconsfield.

The following critical freight rail projects will also be funded :

• $80 million to ensure efficient access for standard gauge trains to the Port of Geelong
• $80 million to upgrade inadequate rail infrastructure in western Victoria, include ballast, re-railing and installation of concrete sleepers.

A re-electedCoalitionGovernment willincrease maintenance funds for the preservation of the AusLink National Network in Victoria by a third and provide $332 million over the five years of AusLink 2.

The onus is now on the State Government to contribute their share and work with us so that we can deliver a greatly improved road network for Victoria.

Projects in Victoria already completed or currently underway include:

• The duplication of the Hume Highway, including a world class freeway through Wodonga;
• Construction of the Geelong Ring Road
• Major duplication works on the Goulburn Valley Highway
• The extension of the Calder Highway duplication to Bendigo; and
• Construction of the Pakenham Bypass.

The Coalition is able to invest in important roads like this because we have managed a strong economy and we have more plans for future growth.

Our plan invests in a strategic and targeted manner in order to ensure a safe and efficient transport network to move families from home to work and goods from producers to consumers.

NAGAMBIE

4 November 2007

Media Contact: David Gazard – 0428 405 107