Next step in Rail Loop project revealed

The Suburban Rail Loop has just been given another “big tick”, but the results of an environmental impact study still haven’t been released.

The Suburban Rail Loop has been added to Infrastructure Australia’s priority list. Picture: Suburban Rail Loop Authority

The 90km Suburban Rail Loop has been added to Infrastructure Australia’s priority list, meaning it will be formally assessed for federal funding.

Described on the national advisory body list as addressing “Melbourne middle and outer suburban transport connectivity”, the next step in securing support for the project from Infrastructure Australia would be asked to provide details on “potential investment options”.

The Andrews Government submitted the proposal to IA for consideration earlier this year, and has already been promised $2bn by Anthony Albanese for the loop’s first stage between Cheltenham and Box Hill – despite the advisory body not yet assessing its merits.

It joins a suite of other Victorian projects on the list, which Infrastructure Australia describes as a “credible pipeline of unfunded nationally significant proposals”, such as the East West Link, North East Link, and Melbourne Airport Rail Link.

This 26km first stage section of the SRL would cost an unprecedented $30-34.5bn, and aims to develop precincts around stations for new housing and commercial activity.

The first stage of the project, between Cheltenham and Box Hill, has already been promised $2bn by the Albanese Government.

An Environmental Effects Statement has been assessed for the loop’s first stage, with residents affected by the plans calling for a report on the EES inquiry – handed to Planning Minister Richard Wynne this month – to be released publicly.

However a new planning minister is now in charge, with Lizzie Blandthorn replacing the retiring Richard Wynne.

Despite the changeover, the Andrews Government aims to release and respond to that report, which dictates how impacts on the environment by the project should be addressed, by August.

Heatherton resident Silvana Anthony said authorities had consistently said residents could have their say and get issues addressed through the EES and it was time to get answers.

“We have had our say, but we can’t get our answers yet,” she said.

Heatherton residents are set to have a rail stabling yard for the project built in their backyard, but do not have station access.

Stations planned for the stage one “SRL East” project are at Cheltenham, Clayton, Monash University, Glen Waverley, Burwood and Box Hill.

Ms Anthony said the lack of project feasibility assessments and consultation with local communities while the project was conceived was “staggering”.

“There is no doubt about the need for improved public transport, however this needs to be carefully and sensibly planned in order to maintain our streetscapes, vital open spaces, local connectivity, amenity and quality of life,” she said.

A government spokeswoman said that with Victoria’s population set to hit 10 million by mid-century, city-shaping projects needed to start now.

She said Infrastructure Australia had given the government’s priorities a “big tick” and recognises “the importance of our $90bn investment in new transport infrastructure”.

“The Government has provided the Suburban Rail Loop Business Case to the Commonwealth Government. The Business Case shows the project stacks up and we are encouraged to see Infrastructure Australia has added it to their Priority list,” she said.

“The Independent Assessment Committee report (into the EES) was handed to Planning Minister last week in line with timelines outlined at the end of the hearing.”

Originally published as Next step in Rail Loop project revealed