Federal Budget 2019: Melbourne to Geelong fast train gets $2b

A high-speed train could soon be a reality — and serve as an example for other regions — after the Budget gave $2b to the project.

Melbourne commuters were some of the biggest winners in the 2019-2020 Federal Budget.

Treasurer Josh Frydenberg announced $6.2 billion in new spending on transport in Victoria, which includes $2 billion for a fast train between Melbourne and Geelong.

It’s a boon for one of the fastest-growing regions in the country, however making the plan a reality will depend on the funding being matched by the Victorian government.

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Scott Morrison was at Geelong Train Station last month to promise funding for a fast rail between the city and Melbourne, which was confirmed in the Budget. Picture: Alan Barber

Prime Minister Scott Morrision had promised last month to commit $2 billion to the project, which would cut travel time between Melbourne and Geelong in half, down from an hour to about 32 minutes.

Trains would travel at an average speed of 160 kilometres.

Minister for Urban Infrastructure Alan Tudge last month said if the ambitious infrastructure project went ahead, it could begin within 18 months.

“This is also part of our population plan to allow more people to live outside of the big cities like Melbourne and yet still be able to comfortably access the city on a daily basis,” he said.

Geelong Mayor Bruce Harwood. Picture: Alan Barber

The Budget included more funding for rail in Victoria — $700 million will be spent upgrading the train service between Waurn Ponds and South Geelong, including duplicating 12.6 kilometres of tracks and increasing the frequency of services.

The Victorian government is already spending $50 million investigating how to make the Melbourne-Geelong fast train work.

State Transport Minister Jacinta Allan said the State Government was continuing to plan and consult with the community to deliver fast rail to Geelong.

“The expert team behind the Metro Tunnel, Airport Rail Link and the Suburban Rail Loop are working hard to deliver this critical project,” she said.

A Melbourne-Geelong fast train would lead the way for more high-speed rail around the country, especially in New South Wales where residents have been crying out for fast trains in and out of Sydney for decades.

New South Wales Premier Gladys Berejiklian at Central Station on December 4, 2018. The NSW Government has also pledged to start work on a fast rail network.

In December, New South Wales Premier Gladys Berejiklian laid out a bold vision for four routes within 300km of the Harbour City that would slash travel times by up to 75 per cent.

A fast train between Sydney and Gosford would more than halve the journey time, reducing it from an hour and 20 minutes to just 30 minutes.

The NSW Government appointed high-speed rail network expert Professor Andrew McNaughton to identify immediate improvements to existing rail corridors, as well as undertake long-term planning for the project.