Federal Budget - 2017/18

[ozbob]

Nine News --> Cross River Rail key budget issue for Qld

Building a rail bridge is proving just as difficult as building a political bridge for the Queensland and federal governments ahead of the federal budget, with a fight continuing over funding for the Cross River Rail project.

The on-again, off-again proposal for a second rail crossing over the Brisbane River, first mooted in 2010, looks like it may be delayed again.

Queensland's Labor government has this week been calling on the Turnbull government to "at least" match its commitment of $850 million to the $5.4 billion Cross River Rail project in Tuesday's budget.

However the prime minister, while saying he was committed to the project, seemingly brushed aside the request on Wednesday and insisted "methodical, consistent" planning was needed.

Another battleground for the Palaszczuk government and the federal Coalition is the issue of power for north Queensland.

The state has proposed a hydro-electricity plant while the Commonwealth and the state Liberal National Party opposition have thrown their weight behind a coal-fired power station proposal.

The federal Labor opposition has committed $200 million towards the Burdekin Dam hydro scheme if elected.

Queensland state schools are expected to receive an additional $542 million in funding over four years under the federal government's education reforms.

But the state government has raised concerns the bulk of the money has been allocated for the end of the 10-year plan.

It is seeking certainty for several initiatives due to expire in the near future, including early childhood education and remote indigenous housing.

The state is also seeking funds relating to the National Disability Insurance Scheme, white spot disease plaguing the prawn industry and housing affordability reform.

QUEENSLAND'S KEY FEDERAL BUDGET WISHLIST

- At least $850 million for Cross River Rail

- Equal or greater funding for education and health

- Funding and support for a gas pipeline and more exploration of the Bowen and Galilee basins

- Funding and support for a hydro-power plant in North Queensland over a proposed coal-fired power station

" Building a rail bridge is proving just as difficult as building a political bridge for the Queensland and federal governments ahead of the federal budget, with a fight continuing over funding for the Cross River Rail project. ... " < Bless 

[Stillwater]

The state government has said previously that Cross River Rail is the 'top priority' infrastructure project and has said that other rail track augmentation (extension to Redbank Plains, SCL duplication etc) is contingent upon CRR proceeding.  These other project can continue, of course, without CRR.  Let's hope the state government doesn't continue to trot out the line that 'everything is on hold until CRR is sorted'.

[ozbob]

TTF urges the Turnbull Government to recognise the importance of tourism and transport in Tuesday&#39;s Budget https://t.co/BEAeWjlVYp pic.twitter.com/ykxpIIGcba

— TTF (@TTFAus) May 5, 2017

[ozbob]

Australasian Railway Association
https://ara.net.au/content/federal-budget-must-deliver-rail

Federal Budget must deliver on rail

2017 May 05 | 04:30pm

The Australasian Railway Association (ARA) calls on the Commonwealth Government to make firm commitments to rail in the 2017 Federal Budget. "The ARA outlined in its pre-budget submission that a significant financial commitment is needed in order to boost rail efficiency and urban liveability," said Mr Danny Broad, Chief Executive Officer, Australasian Railway Association.

"The ARA has indicated that a firm commitment by the Commonwealth to vital infrastructure, such as Inland Rail and rail to ports is necessary. Inland Rail will increase Australia's GDP by $16 billion. It is profitable from day one, for every $1 the Commonwealth invests there is a return of $2.60 to our economy. Inland Rail will inject 16,000 jobs at its peak, retaining 700 jobs every year over the life of the project. Inland Rail will reduce congestion on our roads with fewer heavy vehicle movements and improve our nation's environmental sustainability.

"An ongoing commitment to increasing urban and regional rail projects is also necessary. The ARA looks to the Commonwealth Government to work with State and Territory Governments as partners in investing into rail. Ongoing financial support needs to be provided to enhance our liveability in our cities and growth corridors.

"The ARA is calling on the Commonwealth Government to support the Australian rail manufacturing industry. We have highlighted to the Commonwealth in our pre-budget submission that a funding program should be developed to support local rollingstock manufacturers and their suppliers. While we understand Australia is part of a global market, maintaining a manufacturing base can be incentivised through local content policies and development standards for our nation.

"We urge the Commonwealth Government to also take action on road pricing. The Commonwealth needs to act on mass-distance-location charging mechanisms for heavy vehicles along major interstate routes which compete with rail. The playing field on this issue has been unequal for far too long. Options for independent price regulation of heavy vehicle charges need to be commenced, including trial elements of heavy vehicle road reform.

"The Commonwealth Government needs to demonstrate its commitment to positioning public transport as a viable alternative to cars by recognising public transport tickets of all modes as a fringe benefit, providing employers and employees with an incentive to travel by public transport. "If the Commonwealth Government is serious about listening to the voice of the rail industry, then we will see our priorities delivered with actions in the 2017 Federal Budget," concluded Mr Broad.

- ENDS -

[ozbob]

TTF
http://www.ttf.org.au/ttf-urges-federal-government-to-commit-to-brisbanes-cross-river-rail-in-next-weeks-budget/

TTF urges Federal Government to commit to Brisbane's Cross River Rail in next week's Budget

The Tourism & Transport Forum, Australia's leading tourism and transport advocacy group, today urged the Turnbull Government to invest in critical public transport projects, including Brisbane's Cross River Rail, in next week's Federal Budget.

TTF Chief Executive Margy Osmond said Treasurer Scott Morrison must allocate funding for projects that improve national productivity and the liveability of our cities, starting with sufficient public transport capacity to accommodate urban growth.

"TTF has long argued that the Cross River Rail is the number one public transport project for Queensland," Ms Osmond said.

"Brisbane needs this project to help accommodate growing demand for public transport, and to help relieve mounting pressure on the road network as the city continues to expand.

"The Queensland Government is committed to Cross River Rail, and we urge the Federal Government to also show that it is serious about investing in the infrastructure that can help secure sustainable prosperity for South-East Queensland.

"The Cross River Rail project will create jobs, improve transport connectivity and help to make Brisbane and South-East Queensland better places not only to live, but to visit.

"With new projects such as the Queen's Wharf Casino, the Howard Smith Wharves Redevelopment, Brisbane Quarter and the Brisbane Live entertainment venue, it is critical that infrastructure is developed in tandem with sufficient public transport capacity."

Ms Osmond said the Federal Government must also utilise this Budget to take advantage of the potential of the tourism and transport sectors to turbocharge Australia's visitor economy by boosting the nation's marketing budget, improving visa competiveness and establishing a bidding fund for international business events.

"As the national economy continues to transition from the end of the mining boom to a diversified services-based economy, investing in tourism and transport as the key growth areas of the future should be a no-brainer," Ms Osmond said.

[ozbob]

The Guardian --> Labor targets Coalition's infrastructure record before budget

Labor is moving to muddy up the Coalition's infrastructure record by pointing to a 25% cut in Infrastructure Australia's budget before an expected infrastructure package in the 9 May budget.

Labor's infrastructure spokesman, Anthony Albanese, has called on the government to reverse the cut from $11.6m to $8.8m in the 2016 budget, which is due to take effect on 1 July.

The treasurer, Scott Morrison, is laying the groundwork for an infrastructure budget by announcing the government will separately account for "good" or "bad" debt, to be distinguished by whether it produces productive capital.
'Bullying' by Catholic schools shouldn't change education funding, Birmingham says
Read more

Two projects in particular are expected to be the focus: Sydney's second airport at Badgerys Creek, which the government has said it will build itself, and the inland rail, which Malcolm Turnbull has described as a "very high priority".

Albanese has been on a tour of Australia highlighting public transport projects that Labor believes should be funded, including Brisbane's cross-river rail, Perth's Metronet, Adelaide's light rail project Adelink, Melbourne's Metro and a rail link to Badgerys Creek.

Albanese argues that the 25% funding cut to Infrastructure Australia and the creation of a separate infrastructure financing unit in the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet will undermine its capacity to evaluate projects and structure financing for them.

"Mr Turnbull should be supporting Infrastructure Australia in the name of evidence-based policy making and sensible financial stewardship," he said. "Instead, he is usurping its role and slashing its resources."

Albanese said that, after "four years of infrastructure neglect", the government should use the budget to invest in projects that enhance productivity and boost economic growth.
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Labor has criticised the government's record on infrastructure, particularly the decision to dump public transport projects in 2014 in favour of funding the Perth freight link and Melbourne's East West Link.

The East West Link was projected to return just 45c in the dollar and the Abbott government was criticised by the audit office for funding it prematurely.

The cancellation of that project by the Andrews Labor government set off a stoush with the federal government over $1.45bn of funds from the federal asset recycling program.

On Friday Albanese accused the Turnbull government of punishing Victoria for voting Labor by withholding asset recycling funds from Melbourne Metro, which Infrastructure Australia identified as a project with national significance.

"Victoria currently receives just 7.7% of the commonwealth's infrastructure budget, despite being home to 25% of the Australian population," he said. "A good way to begin addressing this inequity is to fund the Melbourne Metro, which the Coalition cut $3bn from in the 2014 budget to help fund the dud East West Link toll road."
Coalition urged not to target welfare recipients to improve budget woes
Read more

On Wednesday Turnbull said it was "absolutely untrue" that the federal government was shortchanging Victoria on infrastructure spending, citing the fact that 20% of roads spending is in Victoria.

He said that the Andrews government had wasted $1.2bn when it cancelled the East West Link which he called a "a vitally important piece of infrastructure".

Asked about the cross-river rail in Brisbane, Turnbull said the project was important but still "at an early stage", adding that the federal government had given $10m to develop the business case.

He pointed to other projects the government supported including light rail on the Gold Coast and $100m for a new stadium in Townsville.

"So right across the country, we are building, we are committed to developing the Infrastructure Australia needs to lead and succeed in the 21st century."

[Stillwater]

So, what should be RailBOT's position if the Federal Budget contains funding for a start on Inland Rail and only a continuation of planning money for CRR?

[ozbob]

So, what should be RailBOT's position if the Federal Budget contains funding for a start on Inland Rail and only a continuation of planning money for CRR?

#FleeQLD

[ozbob]

Daily Telegraph --> Federal Budget to give shot in the arm

AUSTRALIANS will win a hip-pocket reprieve tomorrow to offset years of slow wage growth amid a dramatic priority resetting by the Turnbull Government.

Heeding weathervane voters in Queensland, Treasurer Scott Morrison's Budget will unveil measures to keep medicine cheap and end longstanding Medicare rebate freezes – a move to secure high rates of bulk billing.

In a pre-Budget interview with The Courier-Mail, the Treasurer revealed the Budget would reward Australians for their hard work, pointing to those striving to own their first home, and will acknowledge those who have worked hard but have nothing much to show for their sacrifices.

Mr Morrison said he understood many of the cost-of-living pressures were felt by Queenslanders, who were still struggling from the downturn in the mining boom.

He hinted to an infrastructure bonanza would be injected into the state to provide jobs and productivity gains.

Struggling households will within weeks receive cash to turn on their heaters this winter, with Mr Morrison confirming for the first time when a long-promised bonus will be paid. It will be $75 for singles and $125 for couples.

The Treasurer's second economic manifesto is centred on "the right choices to secure ... better days ahead" and "based on the principles of fairness, security and opportunity.

The theme of Mr Morrison's Budget speech tomorrow night will focus on four key pillars:

• Growing the economy for better paid jobs.

• Guarantee the services Australians rely on.

• Putting downward pressure on the rising cost of living.

• Ensuring the Government lives within its means.

"Queenslanders have been working incredibly hard and they may not have got as far ahead as they would like, and for many, not at all,'' Mr Morrison said. "They need to know that their sacrifices and the hard work they've been putting in has been worth it and I think the Budget will encourage them and endorse their hard effort.

"One of the things that has been clear is when wage growth is so modest then people's sensitivity to things like the cost of going to a doctor, the cost of medicines, the cost of electricity bills, the cost of rent, how much of it is left over ... if anything at all, people are a lot more conscious of that.

"I think in this Budget we've shown a keen awareness of the sensitivities of Queenslanders to those challenges they are facing.

"When we talk about how the economy has been impacted in recent times, I think there's a really important Queensland story in all of this.

"So while the national economy has been performing well against all the advanced economies in the world, it's true to say many in Queensland would not have been experiencing that in the same way as (other states)."

Mr Morrison said Queensland had some of the largest falls in home ownership in the past decade.

He refused to be drawn into whether there would be funding for Brisbane's Cross River Rail project. There will definitely be Government investment for the long-touted Melbourne to Brisbane inland freight rail plan.

"Obviously infrastructure needs in Queensland are very important and of course they will receive attention (tomorrow) night."

Asked if Australians would have more money in their pocket from the Budget, Mr Morrison said they would.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has called for more infrastructure funding to be included in the Budget to help ease traffic congestion woes in the southeast.

" ...
He refused to be drawn into whether there would be funding for Brisbane's Cross River Rail project. There will definitely be Government investment for the long-touted Melbourne to Brisbane inland freight rail plan.

"Obviously infrastructure needs in Queensland are very important and of course they will receive attention (tomorrow) night. ...  "

[Stillwater]

Asked whether the sky would be painted red, the Minister said: "We will ensure that the colour of the sky will be pleasing to Queenslanders -- that's our commitment."

Polliespeak!  (In other words, don't give a direct answer.)

The latest trend from state politicians:

"As Minister, I can guarantee Queenslanders that I have sought assurances that the crazy idea we are about to implement will work.  The government has set up the Whatsis Watchdog to make sure all goes to plan."

[ozbob]

 

' And where do we go to from here .. '

[ozbob]

Roads, rail and living standards top Federal Budget wishlist > https://t.co/DALLqJNw00 #qldpol #SunnyCoast #2tracks

— Robert Dow (@Robert_Dow) May 7, 2017

[ozbob]

Queensland Premier hoping for major infrastructure funding in tomorrow's Federal Budget. @MaxFutcher https://t.co/cHbQVhg894 #auspol #7News pic.twitter.com/qBPjHMASrB

— 7 News Queensland (@7NewsQueensland) May 8, 2017

[ozbob]

9th May 2017
   
Media Release
Premier and Minister for the Arts
The Honourable Annastacia Palaszczuk

Federal Budget must help attract more international filming to Queensland

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has repeated her call for the Turnbull Government to increase the location tax offset in the Federal Budget to attract more international blockbusters to film and create jobs in Queensland.

The Premier plans to meet studio heads in Los Angeles when she travels to the United States in June to attend the international BIO 2017 conference in San Diego.  Previous visits by the Premier had secured Thor: Ragnarok and Aquaman, which is currently filming in south-east Queensland.

"The studios love Queensland.  They know that our crew and creatives are the best in the business," she said.

"We have the biggest sound stage in the Southern Hemisphere and Australia's largest purpose-built water tank."

"We have boosted Screen Queensland's budget to attract productions."

"We're competing with the UK, Canada and parts of the US for these productions and tax-wise they are more welcoming.  Canberra needs to help me create jobs. 

"Rather than wait for one-off deals from the Federal Treasurer, we need a permanent increase in the location tax offset from 16.5% to 30%."

"We need to get competitive in the Federal Budget."

"I'm sure we can attract even more films here, create more jobs and further strengthen our reputation in film and TV."

Warner Bros' Aquaman will spend more than AU$100 million in Queensland on physical production and create a minimum of 600 jobs.

Last financial year was Queensland's best year in terms of attracting production expenditure since 2002-03 of more than $200 million.

Aquaman follows on from back-to-back international and domestic productions, including Pirates of the Caribbean 5, Thor: Ragnarok and Pacific Rim 2.

Aquaman feature film will be shot at Village Roadshow Studios on the Gold Coast and on location in South East Queensland.

The Palaszczuk Government, through Screen Queensland, has invested an extra $30 million over four years to continue to attract large-scale film and high-end television productions to Queensland to increase jobs and expenditure into the State's economy.

"This is another huge win for our local industry and testament to the international reputation of our people," she said.

"My goal is to keep our industry working at full capacity and provide opportunities to gain major production credits and showcase their skills to an international audience."   

[ozbob]

#BREAKING: Scott Morrison says tonight's federal budget will be practical and will bring better days ahead for all Australians. #9News pic.twitter.com/dt3XmWY4Mw

— Nine News Australia (@9NewsAUS) May 8, 2017

[ozbob]

ABC News --> Federal budget 2017: Billions set to be injected into Melbourne to Brisbane inland rail project

The scale of the Federal Government's nation building ambitions are becoming clearer, with indications that as much as $8 billion will be committed to building an inland freight rail line from Melbourne to Brisbane.

The ABC understands the huge spend will be unveiled in today's budget, which will delight industry players who were excited about the possibility of significantly less money being announced.

It would fit with the Turnbull Government's plan to invest heavily in infrastructure projects branded as "investments", such as building a second Sydney airport at Badgerys Creek.

The Coalition and Labor have already allocated almost $1.8 billion to inland rail, but today's budget boost would help cover most of the estimated total cost of $10.7 billion.

Tempering the excitement will be questions that linger over whether inland rail will deliver a return on the significant investment.

A 2015 economic analysis cautioned that "the expected operating revenue over 50 years will not cover the initial capital investment", meaning taxpayers would subsidise the venture.

The company tasked with delivering inland rail is the government-owned Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC).

It currently manages and maintains an 8,500 kilometre rail network across five states and has already mapped out a proposed inland rail route.

Industry players and economists will be keen to see how the Government would justify such a major commitment.

Given that the ARTC is government owned, it could frame the spend as an investment that would eventually deliver returns to its coffers.

Alternatively, the Government might plan to fatten up the corporation with a view to selling it down the track.
Capacity of inland rail

For years, the so-called "steel Mississippi" has been the National Party's pet project.

Once built, it would steam through the party's heartland at speeds up to 115 kilometres per hour, carrying the equivalent of 110 B-double truckloads of freight.

A big announcement in today's budget would be a big win politically for the Coalition, given that a 2015 economic analysis found the project would create 16,000 jobs during construction.

That same report, written by former Nationals leader John Anderson indicated the track could provide a $16 billion boost to NSW, Queensland and Victoria over the next 60 years.

But the same report found that the expected returns over half a century would not cover the construction costs, which explains why the private sector has not expressed any desire to build it without government support.

In recent weeks Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce has taken every opportunity to spruik inland rail; his enthusiasm comes amid speculation he has his eye on the infrastructure portfolio.

The inland rail line would connect Melbourne to Brisbane via the NSW city of Parkes, where it would intersect with the Perth-Sydney line.

The infrastructure would allow freight companies and farmers to transport goods from north to south in less than 24 hours.

Users of the existing lines complain they are fragmented, slow and outdated.

[ozbob]

[ozbob]

Budget 2017-18 >  http://www.budget.gov.au/

Budget 2017-18 will be released at approximately 7.30pm (AEST) on Tuesday 9 May 2017,
as the Treasurer commences his second reading speech.

[ozbob]

Queensland is hoping for its fair share in this year&#39;s Federal #Budget2017. @JoelDry9 #9News pic.twitter.com/rxnUtA3zc3

— Nine News Queensland (@9NewsQueensland) May 9, 2017

[Stillwater]

Investing for growth in our regions
http://minister.infrastructure.gov.au/nash/releases/2017/May/budget-infra_01-2017.aspx

Delivering road and rail infrastructure
http://minister.infrastructure.gov.au/chester/releases/2017/may/budget-infra_02-2017.aspx

$20 billion investment in rail
http://minister.infrastructure.gov.au/pf/releases/2017/may/budget-infra_03-2017.aspx

Treasurer's speech
http://budget.gov.au/2017-18/content/speech/html/speech.htm

HIGHLIGHTS:

Tonight, we announce we will deliver $75 billion in infrastructure funding and financing over the next ten years.
$844 million will be used to upgrade the Bruce Highway, including $530 million for works from Pine Rivers to Caloundra.

In addition, the Turnbull Government will establish a $10 billion National Rail Programme to deliver rail projects that provide better connections for our cities and regions and create new opportunities to grow our economy.

Projects such as Adelink, Brisbane Metro, Tullamarine Rail link, Cross River Rail in Brisbane, and the Western Sydney Airport Rail link, all have the potential to be supported through this programme, subject to a proven business case.

We will establish a $472 million Regional Growth Fund to back in the plans that regional communities are making to take control of their own economic future. This includes $200 million in funding to support a further round of the successful Building Better Regions programme.

In one of the biggest investments ever seen in regional Australia, the Government will fund the Melbourne to Brisbane Inland Rail project with $8.4 billion in equity to be provided to the Australian Rail Track Corporation. Construction on this 1,700 kilometre project will begin in 2017-18 and will support 16,000 jobs at the peak of construction. It will benefit not just Melbourne and Brisbane, but all the regions along its route.

Faster Rail Connecting Capital Cities and Orbital Regional Centres

The Australian Government is focussed on improving the use of rail transport to ease the pressures within Australia's largest cities, and provide important links to regional centres. It is seeking to improve opportunities for regional centres while mitigating population growth pressures (including congestion, housing supply and affordability, and job accessibility) on our major capital cities.

In 2017–18 the Australian Government will encourage the development of proposals for improving passenger rail services between our big cities and nearby regional centres through faster and higher–speed services. It will call for the submission of formal proposals, and assess them to support the development of formal business cases. Business cases may have the opportunity to attract Australian Government project funding in future years from the $10.0 billion National Rail Program.

The Australian Government will provide $20.0 million in 2017–18 to support business case development.

CURTIS PITT RESPONDS

http://statements.qld.gov.au/Statement/2017/5/9/federal-budget-long-on-promises-short-on-funds

[ozbob]

Media release: 10th May 2017

Qld: State Government should make most of Federal Budget infrastructure funding

RAIL Back On Track (http://backontrack.org) a web-based community support group for rail and public transport and an advocate for public transport passengers has called on the state government to create new jobs and capitalise on the spending opportunities that rail infrastructure funding in tonight's Federal Budget will open up for all Queenslanders [ 1 ].

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"State Labor will highlight the lack of significant new federal spending for Cross River Rail (CRR) in tonight's Budget announcement. However $850m in state funding is available to begin construction in 2017-18, while a revised business case is worked up in accordance with guidelines laid down by Infrastructure Australia.  Transport Minister Trad's ambition that CRR construction should start before the end of the year can still be realised, with Federal Government finances doing the heavy lifting in the out years.

"Sadly, CRR has become hopelessly compromised by Queensland partisan politics. The revised project is yet to pass all the state government assessment processes. It needs to stack up on economic grounds and in ways that generate urban renewal. These plans have not been revealed, particularly how, together, CRR and Brisbane Metro will be used to redevelop the inner city suburbs both will serve. CRR was never going to receive direct funding in this year's Federal Budget because CRR is only at the third tier of priority.  It is presently a ' High Priority Initiative '. To be funded it needs to make the top tier ' High Priority Project ' [ 2 ]. It is pointless for the Government and so called  ' expert stake-holders ' bleating about the lack of funding.  The business case presentation has been botched.

"The state government's position that all other rail projects are on hold until CRR, its No.1 priority, is funded by the federal government. Tonight, we call on the state government to abandon this position as it is not correct or logical.

"The actions that Rail Back On Track seek are:

•   Immediate implementation of Automatic Train Protection (e.g. European Train Control System Level 2 or better) to allow more trains to operate safely on the existing SEQ suburban rail network
•   An Ipswich-Toowoomba regional revitalisation plan, in conjunction with local councils, to reinvigorate towns in the corridor based around a realigned and faster Inland Rail track that will halve train travel time to Toowoomba
•   Extension of the Springfield line to Redbank Plains and Ripley in the first instance, but ultimately to Ipswich to open up new opportunities for affordable housing in SEQ
•   Duplication of the Sunshine Coast Line to Landsborough North, then to Nambour ultimately and daily shuttle services between Nambour and Gympie North, and
•   Finally, an end to the secrecy surrounding delays in bringing New Generation Rolling stock into service in time for the 2018 Gold Coast Commonwealth Games. The extra 75 trains are needed to ensure reliability, and also to generate opportunities for an extended SEQ rail network.

"The wider region needs to be better integrated using effective public transport. Road investment merely shifts the traffic jams from one location to another," Mr Dow said.

"With CRR stalled, we call on the Queensland Government to fast-track the $634m state-funded European Train Control System (ETCS) to ease peak congestion on the existing rail network through the city centre. It features an automatic braking system that enables trains to safely travel closer together and means an extra eight trains per hour will be able to move through the busy CBD. This becomes an important stop-gap measure while CRR is developed further.

"With the Federal Government committing an extra $8.4 billion through an equity injection into the Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC) for the Melbourne-Brisbane Inland Rail Project in tonight's Budget, the state government has an excellent opportunity to extend regular rail services and make available affordable housing opportunities in towns along the Brisbane-Toowoomba axis.

"The 126km section from Toowoomba to Kagaru, including large scale tunnelling, will be delivered through a Public Private Partnership arrangement. Under this delivery arrangement, the private sector will design, build, finance and maintain this section of the railway over a long-term concession period.

"Between Gowrie, just west of Toowoomba, and Calvert, near Rosewood, there will need to be 76km of new upgraded and dual gauge track. This will include 7.6km of tunnels to create an efficient route through the steep terrain of the Toowoomba and Little Liverpool Ranges.

"The opportunity exists for the state government to run commuter trains to Toowoomba in almost half the time it takes The Westlander train on the existing track and alignment. The travel time efficiency savings flowing from the track improvements will make rail highly competitive with cars for the journey from Toowoomba to Brisbane.

"Extending regular passenger rail services to Toowoomba also opens up an opportunity for people from Ipswich and the western suburbs of Brisbane to take advantage of international air travel being developed from the Western Brisbane Airport at Wellcamp, on the outskirts of Toowoomba.

"Inland Rail will be a game-changer for SEQ. To capitalise on community and economic benefits that will flow, the state government should partner with the Toowoomba, Lockyer and Ipswich councils on a regional growth plan for the corridor and the towns along the route.

"The state government should tap into the $10 billion National Rail Program announced tonight, directed at linking regional centres to capital cities.

"It is imperative also that the state government coordinate a Toowoomba-Brisbane rail services upgrade with investment in a Springfield-Ripley Valley rail line extension, eventually linking to Ipswich, to allow for urban consolidation that will power Ipswich's future expansion. Housing affordability is not just about bricks and mortar, but also how people connect with each other and with the wider community.

"Rather than crying over the lack of funding for key projects, Queensland needs to switch focus to capitalising on the best way to draw down the available funds the federal government has provided tonight, including the bring-forward of the Sunshine Coast Line duplication.

"Work on the $780 million duplication of the Sunshine Coast Line over 20km between Beerburrum and Landsborough North should proceed as quickly as possible, to be followed by a substantial upgrade of the remainder of the track, approximately 19km, to Nambour.

"While the 2017-18 Federal Budget does not deliver on all items in the Queensland infrastructure wish list, the test will be how agile the state government can be to maximise the benefits for this state based upon the program objectives and substantial regional rail funding on offer," Mr Dow said.

Contact:

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org
RAIL Back On Track https://backontrack.org

References:

1.  Budget 2017-18
http://www.budget.gov.au/

2.  Infrastructure Priority List 2017 - Project and Initiative summaries
http://infrastructureaustralia.gov.au/policy-publications/publications/Infrastructure-Priority-List.aspx

[ozbob]

Media release: Qld: State Government should make most of Federal Budget infrastructure funding
> https://t.co/lZP61CLMyI#qldpol@jackietrad pic.twitter.com/cW0BUdxZJl

— Robert Dow (@Robert_Dow) May 9, 2017

[ozbob]

Couriermail --> Federal Budget 2017: What's in it for Queensland

QUEENSLAND won't see a cent of Commonwealth money towards its Cross River Rail project until at least 2019, in a snub that will infuriate the State Government.

Choosing to adopt the $8.4 billion Brisbane to Melbourne inland rail project as its core infrastructure commitment, the Federal Government has left the $5.4 billion Cross River Rail to fight other states for funding from a new $10 billion National Rail Program.

But the money is far from a certainty, with Treasurer Scott Morrison saying only that projects such as Cross River Rail and Brisbane Metro had "the potential to be supported through this program, subject to a proven business case".

"It is important to invest in infrastructure, but we have to make the right choices on projects, as part of a broader economic growth strategy," he said.

"Our new Infrastructure and Projects Financing Agency will help us make those right choices, recruiting people with commercial experience to ensure we use taxpayers' money wisely."

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk had wanted at least $850 million for work to begin this year on the second river crossing between Dutton Park and Bowen Hills, which the Government considers its highest priority project.

But the first payments from the National Rail Program aren't due to be made until 2019-20, meaning Queensland has no hope of receive Commonwealth cash until at least then.

It will now fall to Treasurer Curtis Pitt to decide whether Queensland can make up the shortfall in its June Budget.

Under a different fund, the Queensland Government has been invited to bid for a $20 million cash grab to partly fund three business cases for high-speed rail projects between cities and large regional centres.

To be paid out in 2017-18, the money will be available to state governments and private companies.

The news comes as the Federal Government supports public transport in other states, with Victoria scoring $500 million for regional rail and $30 million towards its Melbourne Airport Rail Link business case and the Perth Metronet receiving $792 million.

The Bruce Highway will get $844 million for upgrades, including Pine Rivers to Caloundra and the Deception Bay interchange, $45 million will upgrade the Walkerston Bypass and there's a further $6 million for the Mt Lindsay Highway upgrade. ...

[ozbob]

The Guardian --> New $10bn rail program reverses Abbott-era preference for road funding

Federal budget includes $5.3bn in equity for western Sydney airport and $8.4bn for the inland rail project

The Turnbull government has established a $10bn national rail program, cementing the move towards urban and regional rail in a departure from Tony Abbott's preference for road projects.

The government claimed it was putting $75bn into its 10-year infrastructure program, which would lift national productivity and drive economic growth.

It includes the $10bn push to improve connections between cities and regions. The treasurer, Scott Morrison, said projects that could be eligible include Adelink, Brisbane Metro, Tullamarine Rail link, the Brisbane Cross River Rail and the Western Sydney Airport Rail link. The business case for all projects would have to pass the guidelines.
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It also includes $5.3bn in equity for the western Sydney airport at Badgerys Creek and $8.4bn for the inland rail project.

Both the inland rail project and the western Sydney airport will be treated like the national broadband network under Labor – that is, off budget because the government expects a return.

The equity will be ploughed into the WSA company and the only on budget cost for the western Sydney airport project is $8.7m over 10 years for the oversight of that company.

The WSACo will be a government-owned company to build the airport by 2026 with tenders for works issued before the end of 2017.

For the inland rail project, the government will put $8.4bn in equity over seven years into the ARTC. The Coalition promised in August 2013 that construction would start in 2016 but it has yet to commence.

The only existing funding for the inland rail project was $300m promised under the previous Labor government in 2011.

The other potentially big infrastructure project is a promise for a commonwealth takeover of the Snowy Hydro.

The hydroelectricity scheme is now ownedby the commonwealth (13%), New South Wales (58%) and Victorian (29%) governments. This year Malcolm Turnbull promised a feasibility study to look at the capacity to extend the scheme.

But Morrison said the commonwealth would only consider the Snowy Hydro takeover if the states put the money back into "priority infrastructure projects", if the existing water licensing arrangements continued and that the scheme remained in public hands.
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Victoria will get $500m for regional rail on the North-East, Gippsland and Geelong lines and a study for the Shepparton line. There is a further $20m for the Murray Basin Rail and $30m for a business case for the Melbourne Airport Rail link.

The federal government is also holding out the prospect of an extra $460m for Victorian infrastructure subject to negotiations, following the federal-state impasse over the East West Link.

The Turnbull government has also backed down over WA infrastructure, allowing $1.6bn to be put towards road and rail infrastructure, including $792m for the contentious Metronet project, which the WA Labor opposition supported over the Perth Freight Link at the last state election. The federal government had insisted it would not fund the Metronet but, since Labor's thumping win, foreshadowed the new spending in the last days before the budget.

[ozbob]

Brisbanetimes --> Queensland's Cross River challenge unanswered in Scott Morrison's federal budget

Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk's challenge to the federal government to fund Brisbane's Cross River Rail project has gone unanswered, for now.

The Queensland government wanted the federal government to at least match its $850 million commitment to the $5.4 billion proposal for a second rail crossing over the Brisbane River.

But the federal budget only went as far as saying it is one of a number of projects that could be considered as part of a $10 billion national rail program.

Federal Treasurer Scott Morrison said projects such as Cross River Rail and the Brisbane Metro have the potential to be supported through the rail program, subject to a proven business case.

The federal government has previously allocated $10 million for a business case and early works for Cross River Rail, as well as ensuring it ties into Brisbane City Council's Metro project.

Ms Palaszczuk had said she wanted Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull to deliver good infrastructure projects for Queensland in the budget.

"If not, he'll be hearing from me," she said.

She wanted to see "something with a billion sign in front of it" and a firm commitment from Canberra on Cross River Rail.
An artist's impression of the Albert Street Station, part of the yet-to-be-funded Cross River Rail Project.

The federal budget does deliver $844 million in further funds for the upgrade of the Bruce Highway, including $530 million for works from Pine Rivers to Caloundra.

Canberra also committed to financing the Melbourne to Brisbane Inland Rail project through an additional $8.4 billion investment in the Australian Rail Track Corporation and a public private partnership.

The government said it is looking at further hydro-electricity opportunities in Queensland and other states while expanding the Snowy Hydro scheme.

Queensland is developing a business case for a hydro-electric power station on the state's biggest dam, Burdekin Falls Dam.

[ozbob]

Couriermail --> Federal Budget 2017 offers $8.4b boost for inland rail link between Brisbane and Melbourne

THE century-old dream of an inland rail link between Brisbane and Melbourne is closer to reality after an $8.4 billion boost in the Budget.

Treasurer Scott Morrison made the Inland Rail — the biggest rail project since the link across the Nullarbor 100 years ago — a Budget centrepiece.

"In one of the biggest investments ever seen in regional Australia the Government will fund the Melbourne to Brisbane Inland Rail project with $8.4 billion,'' he said.

Pledging a start on construction within the year, Mr Morrison said the 1700km project would support 16,000 jobs at the construction peak, boosting the economies of Brisbane, Melbourne and scores of regional communities along the route.

The Commonwealth-owned Australian Rail Track Corporation, which has been sounding out southeast Queensland land owners on land acquisitions in the past 12 months, is expected to start construction in the 2017-18 financial year.

The private sector is expected to partner the Commonwealth on challenging aspects of the project, such as major tunnelling work on a 126km section between Toowoomba and Kagaru.

The project will also require an 8.9km tunnel through the Toowoomba Range.

More than 90 years before that, Melbourne business interests were pursuing the same proposal, which has the potential to open up Australia's eastern inland to major development.

"With this funding on the table it looks as though, finally, Australia will see a project come to fruition which we should have had one century ago,'' the recently retired Mr Compton said.

"Canada and America opened up their interior with rail more than a century ago.

"Now it will be Australia's turn.''

With the capacity to take thousands of trucks off the highways daily, the rail — carrying double-decker freight loads at up to 110km/h — is expected to offer primary producers massive cuts in transport costs.

It is also believed to be planned to take in the Wellcamp Airport outside Toowoomba, potentially turning the international airport with a weekly air link to China into a major export hub.

Various private sector outfits, including ATEC Ltd, are expected to offer to partner the ARTC in delivering the massive project.

Transport and Infrastructure Minister Darren Chester said the project, which crosses three states, was an opportunity for the Commonwealth and states to work together.

"It will drive the nation's prosperity through regional development and strategic transport investment,'' he said.

[ozbob]

ABC News --> Federal budget 2017: Queensland in fight for slice of $10b fund for Brisbane's Cross River Rail

Queensland has received hundreds of millions of dollars in infrastructure funding but the state's biggest project, Brisbane's Cross River Rail, was left out.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk wanted at least $1 billion for Cross River Rail, but that was not delivered in Treasurer Scott Morrison's second federal budget on Tuesday night.

Instead, it, and the Brisbane City Council's proposed $1 billion Brisbane Metro, were flagged as potential projects — pending a business case for their share of a newly announced $10 billion national rail program.

Deputy Premier and Transport and Infrastructure Minister Jackie Trad said Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull delivered Queensland a kick in the guts by not allocating money to the Cross River Rail.

"We've submitted the business case to Infrastructure Australia and the Federal Government almost a year ago now and they have not moved at all," Ms Trad said.

"What we've seen is billions of dollars invested in Sydney for the Western Sydney Airport, we've seen hundreds of millions of dollars for Perth Metronet, and more than a billion dollars for rail projects in Victoria.

"What does Queensland get in terms of Cross River Rail? Not one single cent.

"I think that clearly demonstrates Malcolm Turnbull's and the federal Liberal National Party's commitment to the state of Queensland."
'Queensland has to jump through hoops'

During his speech on Tuesday night, Mr Morrison said projects such as the Brisbane Metro and the Cross River Rail "have the potential to be supported through this program, subject to a proven business case".

"It is important to invest in infrastructure, but we have to make the right choices on projects, as part of a broader economic growth strategy," Mr Morrison said.

"Our new Infrastructure and Projects Financing Agency will help us make those right choices, recruiting people with commercial experience to ensure we use taxpayers' money wisely."

"We must also choose to invest specifically for growth in our regions."

Queensland Treasurer Curtis Pitt said the state now had to fight for its share of the new $10 billion fund.

"The budget says projects such as Cross River Rail and the Lord Mayor's Brisbane Metro could potentially be supported through the program subject to a proven business case," Mr Pitt said.

"The budget also mentions a list of other potential multi-billion-dollar projects such as Adelink, Tullamarine Rail Link, and the Western Sydney Airport Rail Link, so it seems we will need to fight off projects in other states to get even a small share of the new funds.

"Yet again other states get direct funding injections but Queensland has to jump through hoops.

"Even though they have had our Cross River Rail business case for nearly a year it seems the Turnbull Government is incapable of making a decision."

Cross River Rail 'still achievable': RACQ

RACQ general manager of advocacy Paul Turner said Cross River Rail "still looked achievable".

"There's a significant funding there for rail projects across Australia and Cross River Rail still stands up as one of the highest priority in the country," Mr Turner said.

"But unfortunately that $10 billion fund doesn't kick in until 2019.

"That's the disappointment. I think if the fund was there and it was accessible in the next 12 months we'd be very happy with the outcome."

Mayors of South-East Queensland director and Logan Mayor Luke Smith said he was disappointed to see Cross River Rail miss out on funding.

"This is absolutely essential for the Salisbury to Beaudesert train line to start. We have 120,000 people moving to the Flagstone area over the next 20 years and we need to get people off the road network," Cr Smith said.

"We need that new rail and without Cross River Rail it's not going to happen.

"Part of our people-movement strategy across south-east Queensland demanded that Cross River Rail be funded. That's a big disappointment."

[ozbob]

No surprise CRR did not get up.  Crikey, we pointed out constantly that it is not on the required priority at IA and as such would not get funded directly this budget.

Another botch by the bumblers in Big Willy ...

[ozbob]

Back to reality ... 

[ozbob]

#Budget2017 in four words: pic.twitter.com/BSzOct0Aqd

— Daniel Andrews (@DanielAndrewsMP) May 10, 2017

I like Dan!  He gets things done!!   

[verbatim9]

Press club speech today Scott Morrison was quoted in stating "That states that reduce red tape from previous reviews over the last few years will be rewarded." Hence NSW has done the hard yards and have had the most infrastructure funds flow their way. Qld still has alot of Red tape reduction to address effectively especially from the Harper Review. Retail Trading Hour restrictions still not relaxed for the modern lifestyle in SE Qld. Packaged Liquor Retailing, licensing small to large format Supermarkets, plus other reforms. It's seems that it's been put in the too hard basket?

[ozbob]

Brisbanetimes --> Federal budget: Premier says Queensland was robbed in 'Sydney-centric' budget

Some might describe federal Treasurer Scott Morrison's second budget as "Labor lite".

But Queensland Labor found plenty to criticise in the plan, handed down on Tuesday night.

In Parliament on Wednesday, Labor MPs took issue with everything in the Coalition budget from the funding for Cross River Rail, foster carers, the Bruce Highway, education, community legal centres, hospitals and the Great Barrier Reef to international movies.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said there was no excuse for the federal government not to fund Cross River Rail in the latest budget.

Instead, the government would have to vie with other projects for a slice of a $10 billion National Rail Program.

"None of the other projects mentioned as potential candidates for the 10-year national rail fund are as advanced as Cross River Rail," Ms Palaszczuk said.

"It's a disgrace.

"We were robbed last night, Queensland was robbed."

Ms Palaszczuk insisted the $5.4 billion Cross River Rail project was still shovel-ready.

The LNP also wanted to talk about Cross River Rail, repeatedly ribbing Labor during question time for not releasing the business case publicly.

Ms Palaszczuk, conspicuously dressed in maroon, labelled the federal budget "Sydney-centric".

She also complained there were no specific commitments on energy and water projects for north Queensland.

And Ms Palaszczuk was vexed there was nothing in the budget to attract more international films to Queensland.

"We know that it was very important for the federal government to have a tax incentive raised from 16.5 per cent, which would actually benefit a permanent film industry located here on the Gold Coast," she said.

Films such as Thor, Pacific Rim 2, The Shallows, Jungle, Kong: Skull Island and Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales have filmed in Queensland.

Treasurer Curtis Pitt took the opportunity to show off how many rugby league jokes he could squeeze into one speech, perhaps left over from when he was also the sport minister.

"Budgets are a bit like the State of Origin, although unlike State of Origin where Queensland usually wins, Mr Speaker, we didn't win this time, we came second to NSW and some other states, quite frankly, who aren't even normally in the running," he said.

"The Palaszczuk government's frontbench, the front rowers here, have taken the ball up, taken it up hard, making sure they're playing very strongly for team Queensland.

"What happened to the federal wingers? George Christensen [etc] ... By the way, they're all playing on the right wing, not on the left wing.

"Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, all scored money for their railway lines."

Mr Pitt said there was nothing "Labor lite" about Mr Morrison's budget.

Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said the Bruce Highway funding was not new money, then he spoke in rhyme: "All we wanted was a fair go from ScoMo but he said no go".

Attorney-General Yvette D'Ath welcomed funding for community legal centres, but said she was concerned details were not clear.

"It means some community legal centres still don't know what to tell staff, they don't know what services they will be providing in two months, they don't know how many clients they will be able to help," she said.

Ms D'Ath announced an extra $565,000 as an interim measure for 22 impacted organisations.

Health Minister Cameron Dick was worried about health funding and while Education Minister Kate Jones was happy there were no "deep cuts" to education, she was concerned about sustained funding for Queensland schools.

But Opposition Leader Tim Nicholls said the federal budget was "fair and responsible".

"The federal Treasurer has delivered a fair, responsible and pragmatic budget that is being welcomed by Queenslanders," Mr Nicholls said.

"On infrastructure, game-changing inland rail is ready to go - a nation-building project that will put Queensland and regional Queensland at the forefront of interstate trade and commerce."

Shadow Treasurer Scott Emerson said better days were ahead thanks to the Coalition budget.

[ozbob]

Pisasale slams &#39;bugger all for Ipswich&#39; budget > https://t.co/fgHdgLwNd4 #qldpol

— Robert Dow (@Robert_Dow) May 10, 2017

[ozbob]

The Advertiser --> Federal Budget 2017: Christopher Pyne claims SA got 'dudded' by lack of Weatherill Government project submissions

THE State Government has not "bothered to submit a proper business case" to seek funding for a single infrastructure project, the state's most senior politician says.

As a fight erupted over South Australia being "dudded" in this week's Budget, Federal Minister Christopher Pyne hit back labelling State Labor's attack "galling".

The Federal Government announced a $75 billion infrastructure funding and financing package for the next decade but only $3.1 billion was committed for SA projects — prompting Treasurer Tom Koutsantonis to accuse it of "completely ignoring" the state.

But Mr Pyne labelled said: "It's galling of the Tom Koutsantonis and (SA Infrastructure Minister) Stephen Mullighan to attack the Federal Government for not funding projects when they haven't even bothered to submit a proper business case to seek funding.

"The truth is the Federal Government is spending $3.1 billion on infrastructure as part of this budget.

"The Federal Government, not the State Labor Government, is driving growth in our economy with the largest single investment in any one state or territory in the history of the Commonwealth — the $89 billion naval shipbuilding program."

Mr Pyne's criticism was not first time the Federal Government had blasted the State Government for tardy funding submissions.

In 2014, then Treasurer Joe Hockey told The Advertiser he was frustrated by the State Government's slowness to propose roads, ports or other infrastructure projects he could support with millions of federal dollars.

"I want SA and Treasurer Tom Koutsantonis to show me the shovel-ready projects," Mr Hockey said at the time.

The state missed out on funding under Mr Hockey's $5 billion asset recycling scheme which led to this week's Budget announcement which reopened the scheme only for SA to deliver $36.6 million for new power infrastructure projects.

SA Infrastructure Minister Stephen Mullighan yesterday listed Oaklands Crossing, remaining upgrades along South Rd and the electrification of the Gawler train line as projects which should have had Federal cash committed.

But a Federal Government spokesman said Infrastructure Australia and the Federal Department of Infrastructure and Regional Development had not received a final business case for any of these projects.

Coalition policy requires infrastructure projects of more than $100 million to be subject to analysis by IA to test cost-effectiveness and financial viability.

IA has not received a business case for the AdeLINK tram network either. But Federal Infrastructure Minister Darren Chester encouraged the State Government to bid for a share of the $10 billion National Rail Program to fund the project.

Yesterday, a plethora of industry groups were angry SA had missed out on any significant infrastructure spending in the Budget.

Civil Contractors Federation of SA chief executive Phil Sutherland accused the Government of "severely short changing SA" on the crucial infrastructure front.

RAA road safety senior manager Charles Mountain said the failure to fund South Rd would cause significant delays to the overall upgrade.

Property Council SA executive director Daniel Gannon, however, said he failed to understand the "widespread anti-SA vitriol" directed at the Federal Government and highlighted $68 million it gave to establish a Proton Beam Therapy Facility.

Senator Nick Xenophon said it was a "pox on both governments".

"Ultimately SA has been dudded over national infrastructure spending," he said.

"My philosophy is 'if you don't ask, you don't get'. It is incredibly depressing for the people of SA to miss out and fault appears to lay of the feet of both governments."

Mr Mullighan said the lack of infrastructure funds was "absolutely unbelievable" and insisted Oaklands Crossing and North-South corridor upgrades and the Gawler line electrification were "shovel ready projects ready to go".

"A pre-budget submission was provided to the Federal Minister for Urban Infrastructure proposing joint funding for key infrastructure projects in SA," Mr Mullighan said.

"In contrast, the Turnbull Liberal Government committed $1.2 billion on a rail project in Western Australia which hasn't had any project assessment or business case developed, and isn't even on the Infrastructure Australia priority list."

A Federal Government spokesman said up to $792 million was committed to the $1.2 billion WA rail project but the funding was subject to a positive assessment by IA.

SA Labor Senator Penny Wong said it was very clear that this was a Budget which "duds" South Australia.

"We will never forget in SA Joe Hockey standing up on the floor of the House of Representatives and goading Holdens to leave," she said.

"We all remember the former Liberal Defence Minister in the Senate saying that the ASC couldn't build a canoe.

"And now what do we have? We have a Budget which allocates zero dollars to SA for new infrastructure projects."

State Opposition Leader Steven Marshall said there was plenty in the budget for South Australia, but accused Mr Koutsantonis of being a "whinger in chief" rather than putting the interests of the state first.

He repeatedly dodged questions whether SA got a raw deal when it came to infrastructure funding, but said Commonwealth funding continued to rise despite the State Government's protestations the State had been ripped off.

"We would always want more here in SA, but I think the Government needs to start looking at it itself," Mr Marshall said.

"55 per cent of the budget now comes from the Commonwealth, it's been increasing year on year ... every single year there's more funding coming in and every year Jay Weatherill and Tom Koutsantonis want more."

[ozbob]

Watch this video.

And share to demand our fair share.

(Yes, I just rhymed &#39;share&#39; with &#39;share&#39;.)#auspol pic.twitter.com/YNEfeFo5oY

— Daniel Andrews (@DanielAndrewsMP) May 10, 2017

Go Dan!

Here is the full ' song '

>

[ozbob]

OPINION: Another Federal Budget, another year of Vic being stiffed on its fair share of Commonwealth infrastructure. https://t.co/3eAuNUA09V pic.twitter.com/2nDAbJ6mjB

— Herald Sun (@theheraldsun) May 11, 2017

[Stillwater]

"We was robbed", the states cry.  They should know now that a business case is not like a withdrawal slip you push towards teller Scott Morrison at the Bank of the Federal Government. 

[ozbob]

http://www.premier.vic.gov.au/only-labor-will-give-victoria-its-fair-share/

Only Labor Will Give Victoria Its Fair Share

Minister for Public Transport 15 May 2017

The Andrews Labor Government has welcomed Federal Labor's commitment to give Victoria its fair share of infrastructure funding.

Minister for Public Transport and Major Projects Jacinta Allan joined Federal Shadow Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Cities and Regional Development Anthony Albanese today in Melbourne today to highlight just how much Malcolm Turnbull is ripping Victoria off.

In last week's Federal Budget the Turnbull Government ratted on the Asset Recycling deal, meaning $1.45 billion in critical regional rail upgrades will either be delayed, or not go ahead at all.

These upgrades were fully funded through Victoria's entitlement under the Asset Recycling Initiative, established by the Federal Liberal and National Government.

Malcolm Turnbull honoured his Asset Recycling agreement with the Liberal New South Wales Government in full – providing $2.2 billion to build better transport, schools and hospitals in his home state.

Yet Victoria will get absolutely nothing through its Asset Recycling agreement with the Commonwealth.

It's another kick in the guts for Victoria, who already receives just eight per cent of Federal infrastructure funding despite being the fastest growing state and home to a quarter of Australians population.

In comparison, New South Wales now receives more than 45 per cent of Federal infrastructure funding.

The commitment by Shorten Labor to give Victoria its fair share of infrastructure funding shows yet again that only Labor cares about Victorians.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Public Transport and Major Projects Jacinta Allan

"The Turnbull Government is ripping off Victoria – it's as simple as that."

"Only Labor will give Victorians their fair share, so we can build the better transport, schools and hospitals they need and deserve."