Nationals Member for Mildura Jade Benham has urged the Allan Government to adopt a more practical approach to regional rail upgrades, calling on Transport Infrastructure Minister Danny Pearson to rethink plans for sleeper replacement on the Ballarat rail corridor.
During an adjournment debate on Thursday evening, Ms. Benham questioned why the Allan Labor Government is moving forward with plans to replace 24,000 sleepers with concrete broad-gauge sleepers, instead of using gauge convertible sleepers.
The latter would allow future standardisation of the Maryborough rail freight corridor, enhancing connectivity for rail freight from northern Victoria.
The Department of Transport and Planning is currently considering the use of gauge convertible sleepers on the V/Line network, which would facilitate the eventual shift to standard gauge across the corridor. Ms. Benham is urging the Minister to approve this measure before work commences, in the interest of efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
Ms. Benham, who has been advocating for the standardisation of this key section of rail since her election in 2022, emphasised the need for a long-term, efficient approach in Parliament late last week.
“Why on earth would the Government waste time and taxpayer money installing broad-gauge sleepers when we could complete this section of the Murray Basin Rail Project with gauge convertible sleepers?” she asked.
“I realise it’s not Labor Party policy to invest in the regional rail network.” Ms Benham stated
“I call on the Minister to delay this week so we can do the job once and do the job properly.”