Vic: Vic says it's a winner

AAP General News (Australia)
12-19-2008
Vic: Vic says it's a winner

MELBOURNE, Dec 19 AAP - Nineteen Victorian infrastructure projects will be considered
as part of the Commonwealth's plans to boost the nation's infrastructure.

More than 90 major projects will be considered for federal funding after advisory body
Infrastructure Australia recommended them in a report released on Friday.

Victoria was a big winner, with the bulk of its recently unveiled transport plan included,
Victorian Government Public Transport Minister Lynne Kosky said.

However, state Opposition Leader Ted Baillieu said Premier John Brumby would not get
the money he needed to fund his transport plan.

Projects from the $38 billion Victorian Transport Plan being considered include the
$3.5 billion alternate to the West Gate Bridge and $3.5 billion for the first stage of
a rail tunnel from Footscray to Caulfield.

A Very Fast Train through Victoria, the ACT and NSW is also being considered that would
cost $59 billion.

The Commonwealth had endorsed key transport projects that would ensure Victoria remained
a major driver of the Australian economy, Ms Kosky said.

"Today's announcement shows that Victoria has developed an integrated transport plan
that has significant economic benefits for both the state and the nation," she said.

Mr Baillieu said Victoria would only have access to $12 billion in funds, but needed
$69 billion to fund the infrastructure projects the Victorian government was promising.

He also accused the Victorian government of being confused about the costs of its own
transport projects and predicted blow-outs.

"This is a government report, which yet again says the John Brumby government quite
clearly hasn't done its homework on the metro rail tunnel, they haven't got basic information
to conclude that this is worth doing," he said.

AAP gr/pmu/jfm

KEYWORD: INFRASTRUCTURE VIC

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