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Big bucks for rail
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Neil Walker neil@baysidenews.com.au A PLEDGE to spend $225 million to electrify rail tracks from Frankston to Baxter was the big ticket item for the region in last week’s federal budget. Federal Liberal Treasurer Scott Morrison confirmed the federal government’s commitment to the project as part of a $7.8 billion package for new roads and rail lines across Victoria. But it seems construction works to extend the metropolitan line to Baxter are still some way down the track. The project is not yet fully funded and a business case has not been completed before the federal and state governments can agree on a funding split. Federal Dunkley Liberal MP Chris Crewther said estimates “are between $500-800 million for the build” when asked. “The $3 million federal Coalition government-funded business plan, commenced a couple of weeks ago by the state government, will determine the full build options and associated costs,” Mr Crewther said. “The overall budget for the project won’t be known until the business plan is finished.” The Dunkley MP said it will take about four years to electrify the rail line from Frankston to Baxter after work begins. “Given $225 million is already on the table to build the project, works can start on part of the project quite soon after the business plan is finished
and after a build option is chosen from the options presented.” The business plan is expected to be finalised later this year. Labor candidate for Frankston, Peta Murphy, supports the electrification of the line to Baxter but questioned the
federal government’s headline $225 million figure since most of the money will not be spent in the near future. “It’s a hoax to suggest that the infrastructure funding in this budget is actually in the budget,” Ms Murphy said. “It is of concern that promises are
LEVEL CROSSING REMOVAL WORKS
FROM NOW – 18 JUNE Upcoming changes to the Frankston Line
Works will continue to remove the level crossing at Skye/Overton Road on the Frankston Line and build the new Frankston Station. This will affect the way you travel. The sooner we get this done, the sooner you’ll be on your way.
Buses replace trains
Parking
• On the Frankston Line between Carrum and Frankston from now until last service on Sunday 17 June. • On the Stony Point Line between Carrum and Stony Point from now until last service on Sunday 17 June. • Normal train services resume Monday 18 June.
During this period, additional all day parking has been made available: • At Seaford, an additional 64 spaces are available at Seaford North Reserve, near Seaford Station. • At Carrum, an additional 30 spaces are available at the Carrum foreshore opposite the Carrum Surf Lifesaving Club, near Carrum Station. • At the Old Law Courts car park, corner of Young, Playne and Davey Street, Frankston. • Mechanics Institute car park, corner of Bay Street and Plowman Place, Frankston.
Please plan ahead and allow extra time for your journey. Local traders will be open for business during this time, so please support businesses in the area.
contact@levelcrossings.vic.gov.au 1800 105 105 levelcrossings.vic.gov.au
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Frankston Times 14 May 2018
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