Jacinta Allan says Airport Rail Link and other jobs unable to move on to next phase
Workers on the Melbourne Airport Rail Link may be moved to other state government projects as construction grinds to a halt.
Victoria
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A standstill on major projects affected by the Commonwealth’s infrastructure review is underway after Deputy Premier Jacinta Allan confirmed Melbourne Airport Rail and other jobs were unable to move on to their next phase.
The Herald Sun last week revealed that work on the airport railway line was set to grind to a halt as contractors awaited the outcome of a 90-day infrastructure review into federally funded projects.
The project is likely to have its finish date pushed back as governments across Australia try to grapple with rising construction costs.
On Wednesday, the Andrews government revealed a key part of this review process was that no new contracts could be signed to push forward works.
This will limit progress on multiple joint projects with Victoria where contracts are expected soon, including the airport line and upgrades of Clyde, McGregor and Racecourse roads in Melbourne’s southeast.
Early works currently underway will continue but once they are finished there will be at a standstill until the review is completed.
Workers on these jobs could also be moved to other state government projects.
“While this national review is undertaken, we’re being upfront with our contractors, workforce, and the public, and following the direction from the Federal Government,” she said.
“We’ll continue to advocate for Victoria to get its fair share of infrastructure funding from the Commonwealth, after being short-changed by the former Liberal government for a decade.”
Deputy Opposition Leader David Southwick accused the state of cancelling Melbourne Airport Rail.
“Airport rail is basic infrastructure in almost every major city around Australia and the world – yet in Victoria, we just can’t seem to get it done,” he said.
“There can be no more excuses. The money for this project is available and the Andrews Government should be getting on with delivering this important project.”
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