ETC Chairperson, Cr Mick Van De Vreede has said that whilst the eastern region missed out
on any boost for public transport in the $42B stimulus package the ETC remained confident
of funding from the Building Australia Fund.

“The ETC made a submission to the Building Australia Fund last year and we are hopeful that when the successful projects are announced funding will be provided for rail in the east.

“The Federal and State Government are currently looking for projects they can fund to provide a stimulus to the local economy and rail is the perfect answer.

“Improved rail services will do more than just provide jobs; it would provide an ongoing economic stimulus from the reduction in congestion, improve community connectedness and help the environment by reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

“The ETC requested funding for four projects from Infrastructure Australia (IA);

  • Rail to Rowville from Huntingdale Station via Monash University
  • Rail to Doncaster
  • Capacity upgrades on the Cranbourne/Pakenham lines
  • Expansion of the capacity of the Belgrave/Lilydale line

“Even though the State Government did not include all these projects in its Victorian Transport Plan they can still be funded by IA,” Cr Van De Vreede concluded.