Victorian infrastructure: key projects delayed

THE state’s commuters and public transport users are being made to wait for much-needed ­upgrades despite federal funding, as Premier Daniel Andrews stalls on $3 billion in upgrades.

JUST three of almost 50 ­Victorian road and rail projects funded by the federal government have been completed as Premier Daniel Andrews ­prepares for an election year cash splash.

Project analysis, seen by the Herald Sun, has found Victorian commuters and public transport users are being made to wait for much-needed ­upgrades despite billions of ­dollars in federal funding.

Since April 2016, the Turnbull Government has committed $3 billion to support 48 projects across Victoria — the majority of which still need to be rolled out.

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The Andrews Government is yet to commit publicly to a $500 million pledge to upgrade the Monash Freeway. Picture: Nicole Garmston

Of the projects agreed to by the federal and state governments, only three have been completed and only 10 have begun construction.

The three completed projects cost less than $200,000 each and were all fully funded by the Turnbull Government.

The $1 billion Victorian Regional Rail Package from the Turnbull Government in June last year has not been spent, with the Andrews Government still to provide key details.

The Andrews Government is yet to commit publicly to a $500 million pledge to upgrade the Monash Freeway and has not yet submitted a business case to Infrastructure Australia — which had been promised by December.

Federal Urban Infrastructure Minister Paul Fletcher said this money would deliver desperately needed extra ­capacity both west towards the city from the EastLink ­Interchange and east from Clyde Road.

Federal Urban Infrastructure Minister Paul Fletcher. Picture: AAP

He said the Victorian government should spend the money it has been allocated. “That is what Victorians stuck in traffic have a right to expect — and what the Turnbull Government wants to see happen as quickly as possible,” Mr Fletcher told the Herald Sun.

“We also announced $350 million for three further stages of work on the M80 Ring Road — but again work has not yet started.”

Federal Victorian Coalition MPs fear the Andrews Government is deliberately stalling projects in marginal seats so that works commence on the eve of the November state election, maximising its ­political advantage.

Victorian Treasurer Tim Pallas and federal Opposition Leader Bill Shorten have recently upped attacks on the Turnbull Government for providing just 9.4 per cent of federal infrastructure funding to the state, despite it being home to more than 25 per cent of the nation’s population.