The Bracks government has welcomed the commitment of a future Beazley Labor government to fund improved public transport in the Scoresby corridor, saying it would allow major public transport initiatives worth more than $140 million to proceed.
Transport Minister Peter Batchelor says the $55 million public transport commitment is in addition to Labor's pledge to meet 50% of the cost of the Scoresby Freeway.
He adds that the "historic funding package" agreed to by the Victorian government and Labor leader Kim Beazley would enable the introduction of new light rail, tram and bus connections in Melbourne's east and south-eastern suburbs over the next three years.
These would include the construction of a new light rail link along North/Wellington Roads from Huntingdale Station to Monash University (approximately $60 million) – the first stage of light rail connection to Rowville.
Other projects in Labor's federal-state funding package include:
- extension of the Knox tram service to Vermont South Shopping Centre (stage one of a new connection to Knox) at a cost of around $30 million
- high-frequency 'smartbus' services on Springvale Road, between Nunawading and Springvale, plus the construction of a new transit lane for high-speed bus services.
"Combined with federal Labor's commitment to provide 50-50 funding with Victoria to the construction of the Scoresby Freeway, this package represents the biggest transport investment decision in Melbourne's east and south-eastern suburbs since the introduction of heavy rail services 80 years ago," Batchelor says.
"Mr Beazley is to be applauded for his commitment to an integrated transport solution for the Scoresby corridor, which is home to more than one million people and 40% of Victoria's industrial and commercial businesses.
Other public transport improvements in Labor's package include:
- new bus services for Rowville, Glen Waverley and Ringwood and other suburbs
- works at Ringwood railway station to create new modal interchange facilities
- improvements to train travel times on the Frankston line, consistent with requirements of the operator franchise contract
- reservation in the Scoresby Freeway corridor of land for a rail link in future years.
Batchelor adds that the Bracks government will also continue feasibility studies under way into other transport initiatives planned for Melbourne's east and south eastern suburbs, including flyer train services on the Ringwood, Frankston and Dandenong lines, and improved bus services on Blackburn and Stud Roads.
"We have also commenced work on an Integrated Public Transport Study for Melbourne's outer east, which will help guide the government in setting funding priorities for transport projects in this important region of Melbourne," he says.
"The outcome of this study, combined with the go-ahead for the $1 billion Scoresby Freeway, will enable the Victorian government to ensure transport funds are invested to deliver maximum economic and social benefits to the people of Melbourne's east and south-east.
"For example, the construction Scoresby Freeway will eliminate the need for funds to be expended on widening Stud Road."