MEMBER for Mallee Anne Webster has accused the Victorian Government of “appalling mismanagement” of the Murray Basin Rail Project.
During a constituency statement in Federal Parliament on Tuesday, Dr Webster said the project was “in paralysis, with cost blow-outs, poor-quality project management and substandard and incomplete works”.
She said the project, if implemented entirely, could deliver major economic benefits to the Mallee.
“The Murray Basin rail is a state-owned asset and the Federal Government has in good faith contributed $240 million to a $440 million project,” she told parliament.
“The investment and subsequent current outcomes are unacceptable in anybody’s terms.
“I call on the Victorian Labor Government to complete this project in good faith and to work with the Federal Government to achieve this end.
“Growers in my electorate need these upgrades.”
Dr Webster said about two million tonnes of grain and 1.5 million tonnes of mineral sands were transported out of the Murray Basin annually and the rail project could remove an estimated 20,000 trucks from Victorian roads each year.
She said the rail line from Maryborough to Geelong needed to be updated to dual gauge.
“This corridor is vital, as it connects the Mildura, Manangatang and Sea Lake lines to the Geelong ports,” Dr Webster said.
“An efficient rail system in Mallee is something producers continue to speak to me about regularly.
“While we support our road transport industry, Mallee roads are experiencing accelerated degradation and, therefore, increased safety concerns.
“We can reduce these outcomes by getting more freight on to rail, and we will get more freight on to rail if the Murray Basin Rail Project is completed.”
