Vic: Infrastructure ...

[ozbob]

Melbourne Age --> Car-free housing encouraged in London, says city's transport planning boss

[ozbob]

Melbourne Age --> Can Infrastructure Victoria protect Melbourne's liveable city status from political bickering and spin?

[ozbob]

Melbourne Age --> Trucks trump tracks in Melbourne port traffic

[ozbob]

Melbourne Age --> Melbourne to get new western suburbs toll road

[ozbob]

Melbourne Age --> Port of Melbourne lease in the balance as hostile opposition demands changes

[ozbob]

Melbourne Age --> Port Phillip Council votes to turn St Kilda's Acland Street into open-air pedestrian mall with tram super-stop

[ozbob]

Rail Express --> Truss kick-starts Ballarat Freight Hub

[ozbob]

Melbourne Age --> End of the line for old railway signal box

[ozbob]

Melbourne Age --> Flemington rail won't be used - running trains will slow train system: Andrews government

[OzGamer]

Why not build a short spur off the tram line that runs down Epsom Road? You could even repurpose the existing train lines if they're not deemed to fit in to the train network on a regular basis.

[ozbob]

Melbourne Age --> End of the line for scores of older stations being torn down and rebuilt

[ozbob]

Melbourne Age --> Debt should be used to fix transport system

[ozbob]

Melbourne Age --> Daniel Andrews is messing up the politics of transport

[ozbob]

Infrastructure Victoria --> Laying the foundations for Victoria's infrastructure future

[ozbob]

Melbourne Age --> Tram bridge over Yarra would bring huge economic benefits: council

[#Metro]

This is a very interesting proposal that demonstrates how land tax can fund works:

The report, commissioned by Port Phillip Council, says the increase in land value would more than offset the $190m price tag for the project.

Port Phillip mayor Bernadene Voss said the AECOM report, which was completed in December 2014 but not released until now, showed delivering the Collins Street tram extension could result in a $1.1 billion increase in value (the difference between the value of the land now and what it would be worth after better public transport was built to the Fishermans Bend area).

Tram bridge over Yarra would bring huge economic benefits: council
Read more: http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/tram-bridge-over-yarra-would-bring-huge-economic-benefits-council-20160218-gmxigx.html

[ozbob]

Twitter

Andrew Lund ‏@andrew_lund now

Transport Minister @JacintaAllanMP announces $134million "safety and security" upgrade to City Loop @9NewsMelb

[ozbob]

^
Melbourne Age --> New detection system will catch City Loop intruders in the act

[ozbob]

http://www.premier.vic.gov.au/first-tracks-laid-for-new-rowsley-crossing-loop/

First Tracks Laid For New Rowsley Crossing Loop

Minister for Public Transport

20 April 2016

The first train tracks on the new crossing loop at Rowsley have been laid.

The kilometre-long loop will provide another point for trains to pass each other, which will help services recover from unexpected delays more quickly, boosting reliability and punctuality.

It will also allow for more trains in the future, to ensure services grow as communities along the Ballarat line grow.

The project will also upgrade the rail crossing at Rowsley Station Road. Boom gates will be installed, which will bolster the existing flashing lights, making it safer for motorists, passengers and the local community.

The laying of tracks and sleepers on the new crossing loop comes weeks after the Andrews Labor Government announced further train service restorations and added yet another carriage to Ballarat line services.

The carriage has been added to the 5:13am service from Southern Cross – reducing congestion on the Ballarat line's busiest service.

Since July, the Labor Government has added nine extra carriages to Ballarat line services, creating space for more than 1,000 extra passengers.

The project is being delivered by V/Line and is on track for completion by mid-2016. For more information visit ptv.vic.gov.ay/rowsley, call Public Transport Victoria on 1800 800 007 or email ptvprojects@ptv.vic.gov.au.

Quotes to be attributed to Minister for Public Transport Jacinta Allan

"It's great to see the first tracks laid on this critical project, which will improve the reliability of Ballarat line services."

"The new crossing loop will provide another point for trains to pass each other. This will help services recover from unexpected delays more quickly, meaning trains will turn up on time more often."

"The project will also upgrade the Rowsley Station Road level crossing, installing boom gates to make it safer for motorists, passengers and the local community."

"It's been a tough few months for Ballarat line passengers. We recognise that, apologise for that, and are hard at work restoring services and investing in the infrastructure we need for better services in the future."

[ozbob]

Domain --> Melbourne's train station network valued by house prices

[ozbob]

http://www.premier.vic.gov.au/getting-it-done-jobs-hospitals-schools-and-transport/   

Getting It Done: Jobs, Hospitals, Schools And Transport

    Premier
    Treasurer

27 April 2016

The Victorian Budget 2016/17 is all about delivering on the things that Victorians need the most: good hospitals and schools, reliable roads and public transport, and secure jobs in growing industries – in Melbourne and across regional Victoria.

Victoria's economy is growing – and it's in safe hands. With this Budget, our triple-A credit rating will be maintained and 3 per cent growth is forecast. Unemployment is falling, and infrastructure investment will rise to an average $7.4 billion a year. The Budget confirms an operating surplus of $2.9 billion and cuts payroll tax to help businesses grow.

Under the previous Liberal Government, four years went by without meaningful investment in the infrastructure projects our state needs. By comparison, in this Budget, the Andrews Labor Government is funding the biggest overhaul to our public transport system in history.

The centrepiece is the new Metro Tunnel: a nine-kilometre rail tunnel under the CBD that will transform our public transport system and end train congestion in the City Loop. The Budget funds it in full, because this project cannot wait.

All up, the Budget provides more than $1.9 billion dollars of new investment to grow our metropolitan public transport services, and more than $1.3 billion for better regional public transport. This includes:

    $588 million to fully fund and deliver the Mernda Rail Project, for the fast-growing outer north
    $140.2 million to duplicate the notorious single track bottle neck on the Hurstbridge line between Heidelberg and Rosanna
    $518 million to duplicate the Ballarat line to Melton, to increase the frequency of services for the Ballarat region and Melbourne's outer west
    $875 million for 28 extra High Capacity Metro Trains, on top of the 37 in last year's Budget

Work will start on some of the most important road projects in suburbs and cities across the state.

The Budget provides $7 billion for road projects including duplicating Yan Yean Rd and Thompsons Rd, building the Western Distributor, upgrading the Monash Freeway, streamlining Hoddle Street, and for other projects to improve road safety and reduce congestion.

In regional Victoria, $107 million will be invested to build the Drysdale Bypass. The Budget also includes $130 million to repair unsafe and deteriorating road surfaces, $51.6 million for regional highways and $52 million to improve traffic flow and safety on some of the smaller local roads that people use every day.

More than 112,000 jobs have been created since the Andrews Labor Government came to office. We've made a great start, but there's more work to do.

We're bringing the best global talent and attracting the biggest international companies to our shores. This includes $116 million for investment attraction and assistance, $66 million to expand our network of Victorian Government Business Offices, and $34 million to promote Victorian tourism and business to the world.

We are making Victoria a more competitive place to do business, by cutting red tape and reducing the tax burden. By increasing the payroll tax threshold to $650,000, up to 36,000 Victorian businesses will pay less tax. The wages of a displaced apprentice or trainee will also be exempt from payroll tax from 1 July 2016, and streamlined, smarter planning processes will stop red tape getting in the way of new jobs.

The Budget also provides $111 million to help Victoria take advantage of the six fast-growing industries that will define our economic future. $33.8 million will be invested in a landmark strategy to drive jobs in our creative industries, and $31.9 million will strengthen Victoria's position as the leading destination for international students.

Regional Victoria is the big winner from the Budget. Regional communities will benefit from a $325 million jobs package, supporting the growth of the tourism industry, improving water security and infrastructure, boosting marketing programs, backing the strength and confidence of the Latrobe Valley, and turbocharging the growth of future industries across the state.

Workers in industries that are undergoing transition deserve certainty. That's why the Government will establish Jobs Victoria, a $53 million project to bring the state's employment programs into one system.

All jobs start with skills. The Government's $320 million TAFE Rescue Fund reopened closed campuses across Victoria, and a $116 million plan to introduce 10 new Tech Schools, funded in this Budget, will give secondary school students a head start for a hands on education.

Students can't get a first-rate education in a second-rate classroom, and the Government is investing $924 million to upgrade schools in poor condition, build new schools in growing areas, provide emergency relocatable classrooms to alleviate short-term pressure and remove asbestos from school buildings.

The Budget delivers a record $2.45 billion boost to our health system. This includes $169 million to redevelop Shepparton's deteriorating hospital and $61.3 million for major works at Footscray and Sunshine hospital.

A $335 million boost marks Australia's largest-ever one-off investment to tackle the elective surgery waiting list, and a $28.5 million package will help sick kids access life-changing medicinal cannabis medication as soon as possible.

The Government is also taking action on family violence – our number one law and order issue. A record $572 million investment is the first step towards a long-term solution, and it will cater for more housing, refuges, programs, counsellors and support for women and children, as recommended by the Royal Commission into Family Violence. Work will also start on a 10-year Victorian Family Violence Plan.

The Budget also supports the police who keep us safe by boosting the capacity of the force with an extra $596 million for more police officers and specialists, new, state-of-the-art equipment and upgraded stations.

Quotes Attributable to Premier Daniel Andrews

"This Budget reflects a strong and confident Victoria. We're keeping our word, and delivering our election commitments."

"We're overhauling public transport, investing in roads, fixing schools and hospitals and we're cutting taxes for businesses – we're getting it done."

Quotes Attributable to Treasurer Tim Pallas

"This Budget is about jobs. From tech schools for teenagers to TAFEs for all ages, from jobs in new industries to more support for farms and manufacturing, Victoria will be Australia's engine room of job-creation once again."

"For the first time in more than a decade the tax-free threshold for payroll tax has been lifted, delivering a tax cut for approximately 36,000 Victorian businesses."

===============

Note: bold emphasis my edit.

[ozbob]

http://www.premier.vic.gov.au/ballarat-line-duplicated-to-run-more-trains-on-time/

Ballarat Line Duplicated To Run More Trains On Time

    Minister for Public Transport
    Premier
   
    27 April 2016

The Ballarat line will be duplicated from Deer Park to Melton – and additional passing loops will be built along the corridor – to make the system more reliable and increase the number of services to and from Ballarat.

The Andrews Labor Government's Victorian Budget 2016/17 provides $518 million for the upgrade.

The project includes the duplication of a 17-kilometre section of single track between Deer Park West and Melton, paving the way for the future electrification of the line to Melton.

Three kilometres of track west of Warrenheip will also be duplicated, and three additional crossing loops will be built at Bacchus Marsh, Ballan and near Bungaree.

These loops will provide more ways for trains to pass each other, which will help services recover from unexpected delays more quickly, boosting reliability and punctuality.

The new loop near Bungaree will also improve safety for motorists and the local community by removing five level crossings on the existing Bungaree Loop.

This package of works will enable two extra services in the morning and afternoon peak, and a train every 40 minutes in the off-peak.

These services will be bolstered by the Labor Government's $280 million investment in 27 new V/Locity carriages, which will create space for 2000 extra passengers across the regional network.

New stabling facilities will be built at Melton and Rowsley to house the extra carriages needed.

Second platforms will be built at Bacchus Marsh and Ballan stations and the existing platforms at Rockbank Station will be extended by more than 50 metres so passengers can use each carriage to get on or off the train. A sealed car park will also be built on the south-side of Rockbank Station.

These initiatives are on top of the extra services and carriages the Labor Government has already added to the Ballarat line, as well as the new carpark at Wendouree Station, the Rowsley crossing loop currently under construction and the new station at Caroline Springs.

Quotes attributable to Premier Daniel Andrews

"This massive project will deliver the reliable services that passengers along the Ballarat line need now, and support the extra services they will need in the future."

"Duplicating the Ballarat line to Melton has been talked about for decades. The time for talk is over – we're getting it done."

Quotes attributable to Minister for Public Transport Jacinta Allan

"Only Labor has ever delivered significant upgrades to our regional rail services and it will be the Andrews Labor Government that delivers the next major improvement to Ballarat line."

"This upgrade will mean people in Ballarat, Melton and other growing communities right along the line can get to work, school and appointments on time, and home safer and sooner, every day."

[ozbob]

$140mill duplicates Hursty Line between Heidelberg-Rosanna = high frequency service; consistent timetable #springst pic.twitter.com/DAxG8sG6fn

— Anthony Carbines MP (@ACarbinesMP) April 27, 2016

[ozbob]

Brisbanetimes --> Victorian state budget 2016: Heidelberg to Rosanna tunnel duplication to cost $30m more than original estimate

[ozbob]

http://www.premier.vic.gov.au/more-tracks-and-trains-and-more-reliable-regional-rail/

More Tracks And Trains, And More Reliable Regional Rail

Minister for Public Transport

27 April 2016

The Andrews Labor Government will undertake a massive upgrade of the Ballarat line to Melton, add more than 170 train services, and boost funding for V/Line maintenance and operations to get regional Victorians to work on time and home again safer and sooner.

The Victorian Budget 2016/17 invests more than $1.3 billion in better regional public transport.

The Ballarat line will be duplicated from Deer Park to Melton, additional passing loops will be built along the corridor, extra platforms will be added to key stations, and car parking will be increased as part of a comprehensive upgrade to fix reliability issues and provide more frequent services to and from Ballarat.

Twenty-seven extra VLocity carriages will add to the 21 ordered by the Labor Government last year, which will reduce crowding on the busiest services and allow more trains to run more often.

V/Line's classic fleet will receive a revamp to fix air-conditioning, clean seats and make them better for the people who use them every day.

More than 170 extra off-peak services will be added across the network, building on the 342 services added last year, to help deliver the frequent service regional Victoria needs every day of the week.

The off-peak services will mean more trains during the day, at night and on weekends on the Ballarat, Bendigo, Geelong, Gippsland, Shepparton and Warrnambool lines.

Signage, disability access and other real passenger improvements will be made at stations along the Gippsland line and the viability of more car parking will be investigated at Moe, Morwell and Traralgon stations. Bendigo Station, and nearby Eaglehawk Station, will also be improved.

The North East line will receive an extra carriage, with revamped trains reconfigured to boost reliability, and a long-term plan for rolling stock on the North East line will be developed. A range of critical major maintenance, minor works and carpark upgrades will be delivered across regional Victoria.

V/Line, which suffered from savage funding cuts under the former Liberal Government, will be bolstered with $198 million to rebuild the capacity of the regional operator and deliver the services passengers expect and deserve.

Business cases for major upgrades to deliver extra services and reliability on the Gippsland and Bendigo lines, and to Armstrong Creek near Geelong, will be developed, as will a business case for duplication from South Geelong to Waurn Ponds.

Planning will also be undertaken for track, signalling and other infrastructure upgrades between Upfield and Somerton to increase services to and from Seymour.

The Budget also provides funding for development of a next generation regional train to boost capacity on the busiest corridors.

These initiatives will support the Regional Network Development Plan, which will be released in coming weeks.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Public Transport Jacinta Allan

"We're investing in the train lines across regional Victoria to give people the reliable service they deserve."

"Funding for regional public transport has been neglected for too long. We're not making that mistake – we're investing in the upgrades and services our network needs. We're getting it done.

"We are funding improvements to tracks, trains and stations that are needed now, and we're looking to the future of regional public transport and what our network will need in 10, 20 or 30 years' time." 

[ozbob]

http://www.premier.vic.gov.au/duplicated-hurstbridge-line-will-run-more-trains/

Duplicated Hurstbridge Line Will Run More Trains

Minister for Public Transport

27 April 2016

A notorious single-track section of the Hurstbridge line will be duplicated with a new rail tunnel to enable faster, more frequent and more reliable services for Melbourne's north east.

Under the plan, funded in the Victorian Budget 2016/17, $140.2 million will be invested to duplicate 1.2 kilometres of single-track between Heidelberg and Rosanna, with a new tunnel to be constructed alongside the existing tunnel in Heidelberg.

Power and signalling will be upgraded as part of the works to enable more trains to run on the corridor.

The existing single track in this section limits the number of trains that can run during peak hour, as they are forced to wait for trains coming in the other direction.

Building a second track will allow trains to run in both directions at the same time, which will enable more frequent, reliable services for thousands of passengers along the line to Melbourne's north east.

This major upgrade is in addition to the removal of two dangerous and congested level crossings on the Hurstbridge line at Alphington and Rosanna.

Planning will aim to coordinate construction on the level crossing removals and duplication so both projects can be delivered quickly and efficiently, with fewer disruptions to passengers while work is carried out.

As part of the plan, the Level Crossing Removal Authority (LXRA) will also undertake the planning work on possible future rail duplications on sections between Greensborough and Eltham, to further boost services.

This package of works will be delivered by the LXRA. Construction will start before the end of the year and be finished by 2019.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Public Transport Jacinta Allan

"The single section of track between Heidelberg and Rosanna, and the two level crossings, are relics of the past. They simply don't belong on a modern transport network."

"The outer north is growing. That's why we're fixing this notorious bottleneck on the Hurstbridge line, and extending the South Morang line to Mernda. We're serious about better services for the outer suburbs."

[ozbob]

http://www.ptua.org.au/2016/04/27/state-budget-2016/

PTUA Media release

State budget brings good news for train users

by admin · Published April 27, 2016 · Updated April 27, 2016

The Public Transport Users Association (PTUA) has welcomed much needed investment and priority for rail projects for both for Metro and regional passengers.

PTUA spokesman Daniel Bowen said it was pleasing to see public transport investment finally on par with roads.

"We welcome the state's commitment to fully find the Metro Tunnel project, but encourage the Andrews Government to continue seeking a fair share of Federal infrastructure funding, to allow other public transport projects to move ahead as well", said Mr Bowen.

The PTUA has long campaigned for the fixing of single track rail bottlenecks, and is pleased to see the funding for duplication on both the Melton and Hurstbridge lines.

"Rail duplication is good news, helping cut delays and providing more capacity to run more services", said Mr Bowen. "Public Transport Minister Jacinta Allan is right to call single track a relic of the past[1]. That's why we hope to see more duplication in the near future such as on the Altona Loop, Cranbourne and Upfield lines.

"It's also good to see investment in growing the V/Line and Metro fleets, providing additional services to relieve overcrowding and cut waiting times.

"Fully funding the Mernda rail extension will make a huge difference to communities in Melbourne's north when that project is completed.

Mr Bowen said the relatively smaller upgrades for bus services were welcome, but this needed to be increased in coming years to provide better services. "Many suburbs are reliant on buses; it's no wonder that station car parks are so packed when most connecting buses are so infrequent.

"It's also disappointing to see little additional funding for the tram network. We are also awaiting news of the trial of high capacity in-cab signalling on suburban trains.

"But overall it's great to see this budget deliver significant investment in the public transport network. This is good news, particularly for rail users", concluded Mr Bowen.

* * *

[1] Quote from Jacinta Allan in media release: "The single section of track between Heidelberg and Rosanna, and the two level crossings, are relics of the past. They simply don't belong on a modern transport network."

[ozbob]

Urban Melbourne --> Infrastructure Victoria releases 'all things considered' options paper

[ozbob]

Melbourne Age --> South Yarra station neglected in the midst of development boom

[ozbob]

iseekplant --> Citizen Juries to Advise Victorian Infrastructure Spend

The infrastructure watchdog in Victoria has chosen 43 people to be part of a citizen jury in an attempt to avoid a repeat of a mistake like the East West Link.

Infrastructure Victoria ensure that the citizen juries are made up of a mix of people, including students, scientists, parents, and tradies, and the jury will sit on two panels which will advise the state on major projects. The move is so that costly mistakes can be avoided, since elected officials obviously can't do the jobs they're paid the big bucks to do.

Victorian taxpayers shelled out more than $1 billion last year for the East West Link after the contracts were signed by the Napthine Government. After Premier Daniel Andrews won the 2014 election and campaigned against the project, he promptly dumped it the moment he was elected.

Michael Masson, chief executive of Infrastructure Victoria, said that the citizen juries (one metropolitan and one rural) will mean that the public will have the chance to be involved in the future plans of the state.
The citizen juries meet every few weeks and hearing from experts before deliberating on many different issues facing the state, from pressures on the education and health system to changing technology and population growth- you know, just like politicians are supposed to.

22-year-old student James Wong is on the jury, and he called the juries "...an interesting concept", saying that often decisions are made without the community having a lot of control over them.

While many may think that these citizen juries are a good idea, isn't the whole point of living in a democracy so that elected officials speak for, and carry out the decisions of the people who elected them? These juries seem to be a way of taking outsourcing to a whole new level.

Infrastructure Australia is costing taxpayers $10 million each year in operation costs, and yet the body is unable to prioritise infrastructure projects and prevent giant screw-ups like the East West Link. What exactly are we paying them to do?

I'm going to stop here because this whole issue really just speaks for itself. A politician is supposed to be a citizen elected to represent the people. It's pretty ironic that these politicians are so vastly out of touch with common people that they've had to go and hire ordinary citizens to let them know what people actually think.

Incredible.

[ozbob]

Walk off the train and into the centre. Major works on Southland station started today. https://t.co/Zc7omnZ2aY #springst

— Daniel Andrews (@DanielAndrewsMP) August 15, 2016

[Stillwater]

Pity you can't do this at Morayfield, and probably a few other locations around the SEQ network.

[ozbob]

Queensland has little vision or hope of doing much at all sadly.

Melbourne is really buzzing.  Brisbane just puts out spin and hope rather than actually doing something of substance.

A measure of the desperation - Brisbane's skyline to be transformed in 2022  All major cities skylines do change.

Guess they have to fill their empty time with something hey?

[ozbob]

Promised by many, delivered by Labor. This is what the new Southland station will look like. #springst pic.twitter.com/0IQ4tUho7d

— Jacinta Allan (@JacintaAllanMP) August 15, 2016

[ozbob]

http://www.premier.vic.gov.au/expert-oversight-for-victorias-infrastructure-pipeline/

Expert Oversight For Victoria's Infrastructure Pipeline

Treasurer 9 September 2016

Victoria's strong pipeline of infrastructure projects is set to benefit from critical oversight with a new office to be led by respected infrastructure expert, Ken Mathers.

Fulfilling an election commitment, the Andrews Labor Government has established the Office of Projects Victoria (OPV) to oversee how major infrastructure projects are developed, contracted for and implemented.

Mr Mathers – recently honoured by Australia's infrastructure sector for more than 50 years of public service –  will chair OPV, and be joined by the Victorian chief engineer, and a small, highly-qualified team experienced in engineering, quantity surveying and construction.

The OPV will build capability and skills in project development and delivery and complement the work of Infrastructure Victoria and the Department of Treasury and Finance.

OPV will provide advice on cost, scope and technical matters for asset investment decisions and project delivery arrangements.

Importantly, the OPV will monitor all major projects and advise on potential interventions.

The OPV has been established within the Department of Treasury and Finance and will have an advisory board that will be finalised in the near future.

Quotes attributable to Treasurer Tim Pallas

"We're not wasting a day in building the infrastructure that this state needs, and the OPV will help ensure that we get it right, using the best minds available to us."

"Ken Mathers has a long history of contributing to major infrastructure projects, leading the way in the evolution of public private partnerships and progressive procurement models."

[Stillwater]

Let's hope the Queensland equivalent is just as well-staffed and resourced.  Until then we have Jacki Trad (recently joined by Mark Bailey) screaming SHOW US THE MONEY in the general direction of Canberra and sending off business cases to IA at the last minute, expecting an overnight turn-around.

[ozbob]

Victoria is buzzing.  Queensland is a bumble fumble cluster-fuk !

SHOW US THE MONEY !  Eerrrr  you have the ability to make your own in effect!  Looking terminal for the present mob here in banana-land.

[ozbob]

Herald Sun --> Port of Melbourne leased for massive $9.7 billion

THE Port of Melbourne has been leased for a whopping $9.7 billion with the money to be poured into rail and roads.

The pricetag is well above expectations and will ensure the government's signature level crossing removal program is funded.

Premier Daniel Andrews said the lease was a "massive vote of confidence" in the state and the strength of the economy.

"Every Victorian should take pride in the price," he said.

The consortium includes the Future Fund, the Queensland Investment Corporation and overseas investors.

It has been approved by federal regulators.

"This is a very important day for our state," Mr Andrews said.

The premier said with the price achieved the government would be able to do "even more" than it had forecast. ...

[ozbob]

http://www.premier.vic.gov.au/port-lease-delivers-970-million-for-regional-victoria/

Port Lease Delivers $970 Million For Regional Victoria

Premier 19 September 2016

Regional Victoria is a major winner thanks to the successful leasing of the Port of Melbourne, with more than $970 million to be invested in regional and rural infrastructure projects.

The Lonsdale Consortium, comprising of the Future Fund, QIC, GIP and OMERS signed a lease of the port's commercial operations for a term of 50 years. The lease, worth in excess of $9.7 billion, reflects strong bidder interest and the port's value, as the biggest container and cargo port in the country.

Ten per cent of lease proceeds will be invested in regional and rural Victoria, totalling more than $970 million, creating jobs and supporting economic growth across the State.

The proceeds are available for infrastructure projects and programs that will benefit the agriculture sector, including transport, irrigation, and energy projects, as well as skills development programs and market access campaigns.

The Andrews Labor Government has also delivered a $200 million Agriculture Infrastructure and Jobs Fund to drive economic growth in our regions, creating jobs, boosting exports and supporting Victorian farmers from paddock to port.

Key projects already being supported include the next stage of the Macalister Irrigation Project in Gippsland.

Each member of the consortium is a highly experienced asset owner who will ensure the ongoing operational integrity of the Port of Melbourne. Lonsdale will also bring greater access to capital to ensure the ongoing development of the Port of Melbourne, further enhancing Victoria's reputation as the leading port in Australia.

This will make it even better for our farmers with increased efficiencies and competitiveness.

Quotes attributable to Premier Daniel Andrews

"We promised that we would lease the Port of Melbourne, while ensuring our regional and rural communities get the support and funding they need to prosper and that's exactly what we are doing."

"We are putting people first with dedicated funding from the lease going to regional and rural Victoria, helping to create jobs and ensure our state stays number one for food and fibre."

Quotes attributable to Treasurer Tim Pallas

"Regional Victoria will be big winners from the lease, with significant funding to support projects they need, like better roads, and irrigation and energy projects."

"Leasing the port reinforces Victoria's position as the freight and logistics capital of Australia and will make a great port even better."

Quotes attributable to Acting Minister for Regional Development Luke Donnellan

"Through this lease we are supporting our State's vibrant regional communities, and putting agriculture back at the heart of Victoria's economic development."

"With the successful lease of the Port of Melbourne, regional and rural Victoria will go from strength to strength."

[ozbob]

http://www.premier.vic.gov.au/promise-delivered-port-of-melbourne-leased-to-remove-level-crossings-and-create-thousands-of-jobs/

Promise Delivered: Port Of Melbourne Leased To Remove Level Crossings And Create Thousands Of Jobs

Premier 19 September 2016

The Andrews Labor Government has successfully leased the Port of Melbourne for more than $9.7 billion, delivering on its election promise to lease the port, remove 50 of our most deadly and congested level crossings, and create thousands of jobs.

The Lonsdale Consortium, comprising of the Future Fund, QIC, GIP and OMERS signed a lease of the port's commercial operations for a term of 50 years. The lease, worth more than $9.7 billion, reflects strong bidder interest and the port's value, as the biggest container and cargo port in the country.

Ten per cent of lease proceeds will be invested in regional and rural infrastructure projects, totalling more than $970 million.

A new $200 million Agriculture Infrastructure and Jobs Fund has also been established to drive economic growth in our regions, boost exports and support Victorian farmers from paddock to port.

We will now work with the Commonwealth over the coming months to finalise the additional 15 per cent that Victoria is entitled to under the Commonwealth's asset recycling initiative.

Each member of the consortium is a highly experienced asset owner who will ensure the ongoing operational integrity of the Port of Melbourne. Lonsdale will also bring greater access to capital to ensure the ongoing development of the Port of Melbourne, further enhancing Victoria's reputation as the leading port in Australia.

The State will retain responsibility for the Harbour Master, Station Pier, relevant safety and environmental regulation, waterside emergency management and marine pollution response.

During the lease term, Lonsdale will maintain access to public walkways and bike paths for community use.

Commercial and recreational vessels' access will not be affected by the lease, with the port being returned to public hands at the end of the lease.

We acknowledge the achievement of the Port of Melbourne lease objectives and the fact that Lonsdale has committed to significant investment that continues to improve the port.

We also thank Morgan Stanley and Flagstaff Partners as the State's Financial Advisers for the Port of Melbourne lease transaction.

Quotes attributable to Premier Daniel Andrews

"This is a $9.7 billion vote of confidence in the Victorian economy."

"We promised to lease the port, get rid of Victoria's most deadly and congested level crossings and create thousands of jobs, and that's exactly what we are doing."

Quotes attributable to Treasurer Tim Pallas

"The strength of this result underlines the continued high performance of the Victorian economy – the fastest growing in the country."

"Leasing the port reinforces Victoria's position as the freight and logistics capital of Australia and will make a great port even better."

Quote attributable to Minister for Ports and Acting Minister for Regional Development Luke Donnellan

"Through this lease, we are supporting our State's vibrant regional communities, putting infrastructure and agriculture back at the heart of Victoria's economic development."

Quote attributable to Chairman Port of Melbourne Corporation Mark Birrell

"This is a great result for Australia's largest maritime trade hub and reflects the port's vital role in the State and national economies."