News

Federal Coalition invests in North East rail line

Tuesday 9 May 2017

Nationals Member for Ovens Valley Tim McCurdy said he was delighted to welcome funding of $100 million for the North East rail line in tonight’s Federal Budget.

Mr McCurdy said the funding demonstrated the Federal Coalition Government clearly understood the needs of the local community regarding the rail line.

“I am absolutely thrilled North East rail passengers have this to celebrate,” Mr McCurdy said.

“This funding will see significant improvement to the track, addressing issues with mud holes and the associated speed restrictions.

“This money will bring the service up to an acceptable standard for passengers.”

Mr McCurdy praised the Federal Coalition Government and Transport Minister Darren Chester for funding the North East line.

“I joined Minister Chester and my National Party colleagues in riding the train on 3 April to Wangaratta,” he said.

“His visit was an example of a government that listens, understands and comes to our region to connect with our community.

“He experienced the journey; spoke to commuters about the issues and I discussed with him the need for funding.”

Mr McCurdy said that sadly the Andrews Labor government used the Victorian Budget to invest further in Melbourne instead of providing funding for new trains for the North East.

“That is the final piece in the puzzle for an improved rail service, the new rolling stock,” he said.

“But we only ever get excuses not investment from Victorian Labor.”