Regional Victorians are missing out and the Allan Labor Government has no answers as it blindly ploughs ahead with its controversial $200 billion Suburban Rail Loop.
In Question Time, Labor has again refused to explain why regional Victorians receive just over 10 per cent of government infrastructure spend despite being home to 25 per cent of the population.
The Minister for Regional Development not only failed to give a straight answer, but went on the defensive in an attempt to deflect away from the stark inequity.
The CEO of G21 Geelong Regional Alliance, Giulia Baggio, has identified the $200 billion price tag for the Suburban Rail Loop – a niche project connecting Cheltenham to Box Hill – as taking money away from regional Victoria.
The Grattan Institute went further, describing the Suburban Rail Loop as “a money sink”.
Shadow Minister for Regional Development, Peter Walsh, said regional Victorians are clearly being ignored, all for a project Premier Jacinta Allan claims is “for all Victorians.”
“We’re still demanding answers as to why regional Victorians receive just over 10 per cent of the Allan Labor Government’s infrastructure spend,” said Mr Walsh.
“Why would the Allan Labor Government leave 25 per cent of Victoria’s population behind – all for the sake of their $200 billion vanity project.
“It’s time for Labor to stop ignoring regional communities and deliver their fair share of investment,” Mr Walsh said.
“The Suburban Rail Loop is clear evidence that the Allan Labor Government is out of touch with the struggles faced by regional Victorians, particularly during the ongoing cost-of-living crisis.
“Every Victorian deserves access to quality healthcare, safe roads, and reliable public transport – not just those living in Melbourne.
“Labor can’t manage money and regional Victorians are paying the price.”
