THE Brisbane to Melbourne Inland Rail project is under threat of derailing, according to the federal opposition.
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Shadow Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, Anthony Albanese, said the government need to stump up some serious cash in tonight’s budget and “stop talking and get on with it”.
“The budget provides the Turnbull government with its last chance to make up for breaking its 2013 election promise to “fast track’’ the Inland Rail link from Brisbane to Melbourne,” Mr Albanese said.
“Despite the promise, the Coalition has not allocated a single dollar beyond the $900 million invested by the former Labor government.
“That included $600 million invested on upgrading existing rail that will form part of the route and $300 million allocated for forward spending.
“We’ve had plenty of talk from the government, but not a cent of actual investment.
“Indeed, Infrastructure Minister Darren Chester penned an opinion piece in The Australian newspaper, promoting Inland Rail as though it was a new idea that had great potential for the national economy. The planning has been done,” he said.
We’ve had plenty of talk from the government, but not a cent of actual investment.
- Anthony Albanese
Former Nationals leader and chair of the Inland Rail Implementation Group, John Anderson, recently called on the government to get serious about the project.
“Mr Anderson’s frustration is understandable,” the Shadow Minister said.
“The go-slow approach to Inland Rail is being replicated in infrastructure projects all over the nation.
“It’s time to stop talking and get on with it,” he said.