The Federal Government has released a preliminary business case for the electrification and duplication of the Frankston Line to Baxter, outlining its potential benefit for Mornington Peninsula residents.
The Commonwealth has committed $228 million to the project, including $3 million for the completion of the preliminary business case by the Victorian Government.
Federal Minister for Population, Cities and Urban Infrastructure, Alan Tudge, said the Federal Government has led from the beginning on the Frankston to Baxter Rail Upgrade.
“We want to see this project underway for the people of Frankston and right across the Peninsula,” Mr Tudge said.
“Delivering a metro rail line extension south of Frankston will help open up the whole of the Mornington Peninsula, meaning locals can get to work and get home sooner and safer.”
Federal Member for Flinders, Greg Hunt, said the business case showed how the electrification and duplication of the Frankston Line further south could benefit the whole of the Mornington Peninsula.
“There is strong support for the project throughout the Peninsula community,” Mr Hunt said.
“When it comes to extending Metro train service beyond Frankston, the Committee for Greater Frankston agree, the Committee for the Mornington Peninsula agree, the Mornington Peninsula Shire agree, Frankston City Council agree, the Victorian Opposition agree and the Federal Liberal and Labor Parties agree of the merits of this expansion.”
The release of the preliminary business case executive summary means that the community can see for themselves what actions are being considered for this project. The next step is a detailed business case to ready the project for delivery.
This is exactly the sorts of investment in infrastructure that the Feds and State should be all over- get it done to Baxter and then examine the business case for an extension to Mornington via a branch line and further electrification at least as far as Hastings.