Sarah Henderson claims Labor fast rail plan from Melbourne to Brisbane puts Geelong project at risk, MP says claim is a baseless “brag”

A war of words has erupted after Sarah Henderson claimed Labor’s plans for fast rail from Melbourne to Brisbane put Geelong’s fast rail project in jeopardy — a claim Labor’s deputy leader says “is at no risk”.

Corio MP Richard Marles says Labor’s vision for a new high-speed train service connecting Melbourne to Brisbane will not derail plans for the Geelong project.

Opposition Leader Anthony Albanese outlined an election promise at the weekend for a new high-speed rail project to connect capital cities along the east coast.

Mr Albanese committed $500m within the first budget, with construction to begin in New South Wales between Sydney and Newcastle.

The proposal was immediately called into question by Victorian Senator Sarah Henderson, who said it “demonstrated utter contempt” for the Geelong community.

Josh Frydenberg in Torquay with candidate for Corangamite Stephanie Asher and Senator Sarah Henderson. Picture: Alison Wynd

“Anthony Albanese’s announcement of a fast rail plan between Melbourne and Brisbane, excluding Geelong, is shocking,” she said.

“Labor’s $500 million commitment is a fraction of the $200 to 300 billion estimated cost.”

Ms Henderson, who joined Prime Minister Scott Morrison in announcing a $2b commitment for Geelong fast rail in 2019, said the planning stage is now underway.

“Geelong fast rail is now at risk if ever Labor was to be elected,” she said.

“Not only did Mr Marles and Ms Coker fail to match the Morrison Government’s commitment to Geelong fast rail back in 2019, they continue to demonstrate a contemptible disregard for this vital infrastructure project for our region.”

$125m for Barwon Heads Road duplication. Federal Opposition Labor leader Anthony Albanese with Labor MPs Libby Coker and MP Richard Marles at Armstrong Creek. Picture: Mike Dugdale

Despite claims, Mr Marles said Sunday’s announcement will not hinder the Geelong project.

“There is no risk to the project which, thanks to Senator Henderson’s own government, currently does not even have a forecast completion date,” he said.

“Labor has made clear that fast and high-speed rail will be an important element of our smart regionalisation plan.”

During the last Labor government, more than $3b was committed to regional rail projects in Victoria.

Catherine King, Shadow Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development said Ms Henderson’s claim were misleading.

“Labor’s commitment to High Speed Rail from Melbourne to Brisbane - including stops in Canberra, Sydney, Newcastle and other regional centres along the way - in no way diminishes our commitment to Geelong Fast Rail,” she said.

Ms King added that Labor has committed to the Geelong region’s transport needs ahead of the forthcoming election with a $125m contribution to upgrade the next stage of the Barwon Heads Road.

“Senator Henderson might like to brag about securing funding for Geelong Fast Rail, but the reality is she and Scott Morrison have not delivered a thing,” she said.

Originally published as Sarah Henderson claims Labor fast rail plan from Melbourne to Brisbane puts Geelong project at risk, MP says claim is a baseless “brag”