Federal Member for Nicholls Sam Birrell MP is challenging the Victorian premier Jacinta Allan to name the date when the promised nine return services a day between Shepparton and Melbourne will commence.
Mr Birrell said the Shepparton community has waited nearly three years longer than promised for full delivery of improved rail services.
Shepparton was promised nine return services to Melbourne each day, with Stage 3 of the Shepparton Rail Upgrade originally scheduled for completion in 2023.
“Those services have still not been delivered, despite repeated public assurances from the Victorian Government,” Mr Birrell said.
Stage 3 of the project is underpinned by $320 million in federal funding committed by the previous Coalition Government.
“When then Deputy Prime Minister and Nationals Leader Michael McCormack committed the funding there was an expectation the job would be done and it is frustrating that despite having funded 80% of the project the Victorian Government has failed to see the project through to completion nearly three years after the original completion date,” Mr Birrell said.
“The pattern of delay has been evident from the outset and while cost increases have been acknowledged—along with workforce and signalling constraints—the community has not been given a clear, credible completion timeline.”
The previous Victorian Budget listed the project’s completion date as “To Be Advised”, offering little confidence to regional commuters.
“The announcement that funding for the expansion to nine services will finally appear in the upcoming Victorian budget is welcome—but words and are not enough,” Mr Birrell said.
“The Victorian Government cannot engineer further delay by placing funding in the forward estimates without committing to delivery. Funding must be clearly committed to be spent in the 2026–27 financial year, with a firm timetable for completion.”
Mr Birrell said the Shepparton community has already waited too long and they deserve certainty.
“Delays in project delivery have also delayed the economic and social benefits and the message
from the community is clear: deliver the services, spend the money, and finish the job.