Federal Budget: $320 million injected into Shepparton rail line upgrade
A multimillion-dollar rail line upgrade has been announced for Shepparton as part of this year’s federal budget. It comes as major transport links will be upgraded and built as part of a $1.1 billion plan to supercharge jobs across Victoria.
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A $320 million cash boost will be poured into Shepparton’s rail line upgrade as part of this year’s federal budget.
The significant cash splash will complete Stage 3 of the rail line upgrade, which will improve reliability and resilience for passenger and freight rail services.
This builds on the federal government’s existing $2.7 billion commitment to regional rail in Victoria and $2 billion to progress faster rail from Melbourne to Geelong.
The cash injection will support regional Victoria by improving connections between residents, workplaces and services.
$208 million has also been announced to complete Stage 2 of the Warrnambool Rail Line upgrade.
A community-led recovery plan will also help support regional communities that have been affected by the pandemic.
This includes an additional $1 billion for the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure program, which will support local businesses to stimulate its economies.
This investment and the Road Safety Program will support about 10,000 jobs.
An additional $51 million to boost regional tourism has also been announced.
Trade, Tourism and Investment Minister Simon Birmingham said with one in five jobs dependant on trade, the government would continue to support Australian exporters by keeping trading channels open and accessible during the pandemic,
“I will work with Home Affairs portfolio ministers and lead a new Joint Ministerial Taskforce on simplified trade … to make trading simpler and cheaper by reducing red tape, increasing the resilience of our supply chains, and supporting trade growth and expansion,” Mr Birmingham said.