Suburban Rail Loop
Mr HAYES (Southern Metropolitan) (12:04): My question is to the minister representing the Minister for Transport Infrastructure. On 4 July the Age newspaper reported that a number of mayors of councils in which the Suburban Rail Loop will operate have expressed concerns around the design of the project. They have reflected widespread community concern about the location of station interchanges and connections to existing metro rail lines. My office has also been made aware of extensive community concern about the reduction of green open space and the controversial siting of a stabling yard on green wedge land at Heatherton. Given that many design features of the project are not meeting with community approval, will the government consider a redesign of the project in closer consultation with the Department of Transport as well as affected local governments and their communities?
Ms SYMES (Northern Victoria—Leader of the Government, Attorney-General, Minister for Emergency Services) (12:05): It was remiss of me at the start of question time not to indicate to the chamber that Minister Pulford is absent today. In relation to any questions for her or Minister Tierney or their representing portfolios, I am more than happy to take those.
With that, Mr Hayes, I will pass your question on to the Minister for Transport Infrastructure and provide an answer, probably through Minister Pulford.
Mr HAYES (Southern Metropolitan) (12:05): Thank you, Minister. Projections for the Suburban Rail Loop project show that half of its passengers will be transferring from metro trains, trams and buses to the rail loop. Can the minister assure me that the project will conduct an open process with local governments and communities to outline the costs and benefits of different options for interconnection with existing transport services?
Ms SYMES (Northern Victoria—Leader of the Government, Attorney-General, Minister for Emergency Services) (12:06): I will pass on your supplementary with your substantive.