Liberals send rail funding off the tracks

The Federal Budget has brought a dose of bad news for Tasmania’s rail infrastructure.

Labor’s Shadow Infrastructure Minister, Craig Farrell, says the funding commitment has almost halved.

“The contribution from the Federal Government has reduced from nearly $120 million to $59.9 million, while the State Government has also cut back its promise.

“The State and Federal Ministers can spin this any way they like but the Federal Budget papers state in black and white that the scope of the project has been reduced and that savings have been identified.

“We’re talking about a shortfall in the vicinity of $100 million.

“Rene Hidding must explain what areas of Tasmania will miss out on rail upgrades as a result of the “reduced scope.”

“This is completely unacceptable from a Government led by someone who wanted to be the “Infrastructure Prime Minister.”

“And the State Government is happy to stand by and let it happen, obviously seeing it as a way to back out of its own commitment.

“It’s increasingly obvious where the money for irrigation and road upgrades is coming from. They’re robbing Peter to pay Paul.

“There are rail sites across Tasmania that need urgent attention.”
Craig Farrell MLC Shadow Infrastructure Minister