Melbourne’s $10 billion airport train link may have been derailed after pushback from the Victorian state government.
A report in the Daily Telegraph says a reversal from federal infrastructure minister Catherine King has put the entire project in doubt.
Two weeks ago the minister said the rail link wouldn’t be part of the government’s review into infrastructure projects, her office now claims she misspoke, according to the report.
“It doesn’t include the airport rail, but, certainly, you know, the money will remain in the budget for that particular project,” King said just two weeks ago.
The backflip came to light when the Herald Sun asked the minister’s office to clarify the status of the project.
“All Infrastructure Investment Program projects not currently under construction and not an election commitment are in the review. This includes the Melbourne Airport Rail Link,” King’s office replied.
Premier Daniel Andrews also confirmed the project was part of the review.
“We can’t build those projects on our own. They are a partnership with the Commonwealth government and the Commonwealth government is reviewing those projects,” Andrews said.
“Despite some reporting today that says those projects are not under review, let me assure you, because I’ve had the conversation with the PM myself, one-on-one, face-to-face, they are all part of this review, and let’s wait and see what this review says.
