Sheed Calls for Acceleration of Rail Funding

Independent member for Shepparton Suzanna Sheed has called on the Andrews Labor Government to accelerate the investment in passenger rail services announced for the rail line between Shepparton and Seymour in last week’s Victorian State Budget.

Ms Sheed used her Question without Notice this week to ask the Minister for Public Transport The Hon. Jacinta Allan MP to bring forward the capital works to be undertaken in the first tranche of funding, into the current budget year.

“I am delighted, as is the Shepparton District community, that the government has announced a future investment of $43.5 million in passenger rail services for Shepparton. As you well know I have advocated long and hard for better passenger rail services with the full support of my community and the All Aboard Campaign,” Ms Sheed said.

“Minister we have waited so long for investment in our rail services. We don’t want to wait any longer,” Ms Sheed said when questioning the Minister.

“My question for you today is whether you can bring forward the capital works that are so urgently needed into the current budget year,” Ms Sheed asked.

On 28 May 2015 a large group of Shepparton District residents travelled to Melbourne, many in their pyjamas, to the steps of Parliament House to impress upon the government the lack of services available to them and the need for more, better and faster services. The campaign for better rail services for Shepparton has been widely supported by the community and was one of the major platforms of Ms Sheed’s election campaign in 2014.

“Receiving a funding commitment of $43.5 million in the Victorian State budget was a fantastic result for Shepparton and means that some of the early works that have been identified for a long time can commence such as stabling for trains at Shepparton and a passing loop near or south of Murchison,” Ms Sheed said.

The Minister’s response was to indicate that she would immediately refer this request to her Department for consideration.

 

Ends

Media contact

P: 0358 316944 │E:suzanna.sheed@parliament.vic.gov.au

 

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