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3w ago

Peter Dutton Pledges to Cancel Suburban Rail Loop Funding, Prioritize Melbourne Airport Rail

The Opposition Leader commits to redirecting $2.2 billion in federal funding from the Suburban Rail Loop to the Melbourne Airport Rail project, framing the SRL as financially unsustainable.

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Overview

  • Peter Dutton has formally announced plans to cancel $2.2 billion in federal funding for the Suburban Rail Loop (SRL) if elected, calling the project an 'unfunded, cruel hoax.'
  • The Coalition will redirect $1.5 billion of the withdrawn funds to the Melbourne Airport Rail project, which Dutton describes as 'vital to Melbourne's future growth.'
  • The Melbourne Airport Rail project, estimated to cost $10–13 billion, has bipartisan support but faces rising costs and delays in its timeline.
  • Infrastructure Australia has raised concerns about the SRL's financial viability, citing insufficient detail on funding mechanisms, including the reliance on value capture.
  • No federal funds have yet been spent on the SRL, allowing for the potential withdrawal of the $2.2 billion commitment without financial penalties.