Dandy rail tops list

By NICOLE WILLIAMS
UPGRADES to the Dandenong rail line top the Victorian Government’s wish list for infrastructure projects.
The Victorian Government has submitted its 2012 Priority Infrastructure submission to Infrastructure Australia in the hope of receiving Commonwealth funding for the projects.
A Dandenong Rail Capacity Program, including grade separations, signalling upgrades and platform lengthening along the Dandenong line, is among the top six priorities.
Also at the top of the list is planning and construction of the Port of Hastings.
Both of these projects would improve road and rail transport throughout the south eastern suburbs.
Premier Ted Baillieu said the priority infrastructure projects have the potential to address Victoria’s infrastructure backlog, to get Victoria moving again, to generate jobs and investment and to deliver economic growth.
“Commonwealth funding would be absolutely essential to deliver these visionary projects and Victoria looks forward to working with Infrastructure Australia to progress Victoria’s infrastructure projects and secure Commonwealth funding,” he said.
“It was pleasing to see Infrastructure Australia recommend funding for a number of Victoria’s priority projects to the Federal Government.”
The 2012 Priority Infrastructure submission report said the delivery of the Dandenong Rail Capacity Program will enable the south east rail corridor to function optimally for both passenger and freight services.
If the project receives funding, the rail line will be progressively improved over a 10-year period.
The submission report said any improvements would support the running of higher capacity and more frequent regional and metropolitan trains through grade separations and platform lengthening.
The Port of Hastings project would introduce a second container port into Victoria which would greatly improve freight connectivity and road access.