Modelling that was provided to Premier Jacinta Allan years’ ago — but kept secret — compared the likely patronage of the $200bn Suburban Rail Loop to existing lines, where passenger numbers are many times higher.
The mediator in the Melbourne Airport rail link wars has recommended against the underground station option unless there is a “comprehensive” business case showing it stacks up.
ALTHOUGH many local businesses have hailed the visit of a tourist passenger train as a great success for the region, a State Government spokesperson has all but ruled out that a regular service will return to Mildura.
An Australian-first trial to adopt a nationally standardised approval system for rail and road projects is under way, which could save taxpayers tens of millions of dollars each year.
Jacinta Allan is facing an internal fight over the government’s controversial $34bn Suburban Rail Loop, with increasing angst from senior ministers threatening the future of the project.
