“The Government has promised an upgrade of the regional rail network however we don’t yet know what that means for our municipality,” said Cr Adem.
The Victorian Budget invests $1.3 billion to boost the capacity and efficiency of regional public transport and position the system for longer-term expansion as well as $280 million for 27 new VLocity carriages supporting more services and helping to address overcrowding.
This includes $131 million to increase passenger rail services for Ballarat, Geelong, Warrnambool, Bendigo, Traralgon and Shepparton to meet growth demands. A further $198 million will ensure V/Line can continue to maintain regional rail service standards.
A further $10 million will support development and planning for the Next Generation regional trains, enabling the existing older fleet to be retired progressively. A further $23.6 million for a range of rail minor works will improve access, security and comfort at railway stations across Victoria.
“It is great to see the Victorian government committing to improving regional rail services however we need to hear the specific details of how the funding will impact Greater Shepparton,” said Cr Adem.
“Our first priority is to increase the frequency of rail services followed by the Shepparton railway station upgrade which should include the pedestrian overpass to the CBD to improve accessibility,” said Cr Adem.
“Whilst we are very pleased with the Shepparton court precinct redevelopment funding, $10m for the new Shepparton Art Museum and the recent announcement of funding of $168m for GV Health there are still major projects to be completed as detailed in the Make Shepparton Greater campaign.”
The State Government also announced $15m for planning future regional road works in Barwon Heads, Phillip Island, Wodonga, Shepparton, Geelong and Castlemaine.
