Andrews government announces billion-dollar infrastructure wishlist ahead of federal budget
In the wake of a war of words between federal Treasurer Josh Frydenberg and Daniel Andrews over calls to get Victoria moving again, the Premier and his government have unveiled a $1.3 billion infrastructure wishlist for the state.
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The Andrews government has unveiled a $1.3 billion infrastructure wishlist ahead of this week’s federal budget saying it is raring to go on up to 10 major infrastructure projects.
A war of words erupted between Premier Daniel Andrews and Josh Frydenberg on Saturday after the federal Treasurer demanded Victoria get on board a construction-led pandemic recovery in the Herald Sun.
But the Andrews government has challenged Mr Frydenberg to put his money where his mouth is and cough up to help fund a wish list of projects.
It is understood the state government is also eagerly awaiting a federal announcement on Melbourne’s $8-13 billion airport rail link with work ready to start immediately.
“The government I lead has done more building than any government in this state’s history,” Mr Andrews said.
“I think the federal Treasurer perhaps needs to be a little bit better briefed and he might start by speaking to his boss.
“Because I speak to his boss and we have a strong partnership and we are going to have some important announcements to make.
“No Victorian will be lectured from the Commonwealth government about infrastructure, about building things.”
In response Mr Frydenberg said Mr Andrews “is feeling the pressure”.
The state government has called for funding in Tuesday’s budget for a raft of projects including $520 million for upgrades to rail lines and more than $600 million in road upgrades.
The projects would create more than 1,300 jobs.
Minister for Transport Infrastructure Jacinta Allan said construction would be vital to Victoria’s pandemic recovery.
Ms Allan said the government was able to get shovels in the ground immediately.
“Our Big Build program has made amazing progress in challenging circumstances during the coronavirus pandemic — and most importantly saved thousands of jobs,” she said.
“Our program will continue and our Victorian Budget will have more to say about how we go further to create even more jobs.
“We know a strong Victorian economy helps the nation – this list is a starting point of projects we hope to see funded on Tuesday night, and we look forward to working in partnership with the Commonwealth Government to do everything we can to fast track our rebuild.”
Mr Andrews said during the pandemic Victoria had removed eight level crossings, built two new train stations and had completed half of the tunnelling for the Metro Tunnel.
Work had also started on the North East Link as well as upgrading works on several freeways.
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