A project promised by Daniel Andrews to dramatically improve the frequency of Sandringham Line train services has been scrapped to help fill the Metro Tunnel project’s budget black hole.
Four years ago the Sandringham Line was chosen for an Australian first trial of modern signalling technology designed to permit trains to run every two minutes. After abandoning the Sandringham line, State Budget papers reveal that Daniel Andrews has sneakily abandoned this project and poured the money into the Metro Tunnel.
The Auditor-General has found the Metro Tunnel is already $150 million over budget on early works despite leaching funding from Sandringham Line commuters.
What was sold as Labor funding the development of a modern and sophisticated high capacity signalling prototype has been ditched because Labor can’t manage major projects and they can’t manage money.
The Sandringham line trial was meant to lead the way. Instead of that, the money has been shifted away to conceal Labor’s poor planning.
Comments attributable to the Shadow Minister for Transport Infrastructure, David Davis:
“How much of that signalling trial on the Sandringham line was completed and which parts were not completed?
“Sandringham line commuters are used to being taken for granted and neglected by Daniel Andrews. The one time they were promised something good by Labor, it quickly vanished into thin air.”
Comments attributable to the Member for Sandringham, Brad Rowswell:
“The Sandringham Line had the opportunity to lead the way, instead we are now waiting longer on the platforms because of Daniel Andrews.”
Comments attributable to the Member for Brighton, James Newbury:
“Labor can’t manage money or projects and that’s why our Sandringham line signalling upgrade has been taken away.”
