Both major parties to blame for rail project delays: Cupper

THE major political parties failed growers, transport providers and the economy by not completing the Murray Basin Rail Project on time and on budget, according to Member for Mildura Ali Cupper.

Ms Cupper said the findings of report by the Victorian Auditor General into the rail project were disappointing and the focus should now be on be on getting the job done.

The report found about half of the approved Murray Basin Rail Project scope had been delivered using almost 87 per cent of the originally approved budget and it would require a “considerable” injection of new funds if intended benefits were to be realised.

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Ms Cupper says the report indicated both poor planning and poor implementation that spanned two governments and both major parties.

“On this project, the message has never been clearer that the major parties are failing us,” Ms Cupper said.

“Both sides of politics have been complicit in the failure of this project.

“They have failed our growers, they have failed our transport providers and have failed our economy.”

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Ms Cupper said the community was exhausted and frustrated with the delays, and was more interested in outcomes than political point scoring over the issue.

“Like the growers along the Manangatang and Sea Lake lines, I just want to see this project finished,” she said.

“I want to see the Victorians and the feds get together, sort out the shortfall and get the job done.

“As recently as last week as I was advised that conversations with the Federal Government are ongoing and that works to revise the scope of the project will provide the basis for funding the rest of the work.”