By Luke Voogt
Two Geelong MPs have clashed over accusations State Government has deliberately held up projects for a pre-election splurge.
Member for Western Victoria Simon Ramsay berated Geelong MP Christine Couzens this week as he accused the government of “stalling” local projects.
“Where is Christine Couzens in all this?” he said.
“What is she doing to get things done for Geelong?”
But Ms Couzens returned serve, criticising the previous coalition government’s record.
“We won’t be lectured by Simon Ramsay, who was part of a do-nothing government that didn’t achieve a thing.”
Mr Ramsay said the Andrews Government had delayed the duplication of the Midland Highway between Geelong and Bannockburn.
The government had also failed to produce a business case for the duplication of rail from Waurn Ponds to South Geelong, he said.
“If only this was a joke – Warrnambool and Geelong commuters don’t think it’s funny, nor will the rapidly growing number of residents along the Surf Coast awaiting these works to enable the construction of the Surf Coast Rail project with a rail line to Torquay.”
The government had also left the construction of local train stabling and maintenance yards “in limbo,” Mr Ramsay said.
The government “deliberately delayed” the projects despite receiving federal funding to stockpile announcements ahead of November’s state election, he said.
“What Victorians will see ahead of the election is a flurry of action to make it look like this government has done something.”
Ms Couzens denied the government was delaying any projects.
The government started geotechnical works on the Geelong line late last year and had held community consultation in preparation to duplicate the railway, she said.
The business case for duplication was well underway and due for completion this year, she added.
“We’ve added extra services, and we’re focussed on delivering the upgrades locals need.”
Public Transport Minister Jacinta Allan weighed in, saying the Andrews Government allocated $3 million for the duplication in the 2016/2027 budget, with the Commonwealth adding $1 million.
Ms Allan met embattled Federal Infrastructure and Transport Minister Barnaby Joyce last week regarding the release of Regional Rail Revival funding.
The state and commonwealth had reached an in-principle agreement on inland rail before Gippsland MP Darren Chester lost his position as Federal Infrastructure and Transport Minister, Ms Allan said.
“Since then we’ve seen Canberra in chaos but we’re not losing our focus. We’re continuing to lobby for Victoria’s money to be released without further delay.”
Victoria receives 10 per cent of Federal Government infrastructure funding despite being the fastest growing state in Australia and home to a quarter of the population, Ms Allan said.
