Thursday, 9 March 2023

Eastern Victoria Region

Renee HEATH (Eastern Victoria) (12:39): (79) My question is for the Minister for Public Transport. Will the minister and state Labor government commit to funding and building the Frankston to Baxter metro rail extension in the state budget, utilising the $225 million in federal funding secured by Chris Crewther? In the 2018 federal budget the now member for Mornington secured $225 million of budgeted federal coalition funding towards the Frankston to Baxter metro rail extension. The funding remains on the table unless removed by the Albanese government in the budget. In October last year the state coalition committed to funding and building the full $971 million project if elected. This has previously been garnered and supported by the federal Labor government. This project would mean Metro services to Frankston East, Langwarrin and Baxter; closer Metro rail services for the peninsula; less parking at Frankston, Kananook and Seaford; and opening the way for return Metro rail services to Mornington East, which the member supports.