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Regional rail funding committed

Latrobe City Council has welcomed the Federal Government’s commitment to regional rail.

By Portal Admin - 28th June 2017 - Back to News

Mayor, Councillor Kellie O'Callaghan said the $435 million funding announcement for upgrades to the Gippsland line between Pakenham and Traralgon was a testament to the community’s power and determination captured during Council's economic transition engagement process.

"We asked community members to tell us what they thought would be needed to ensure a respectful and just transition. More than 200 community members, some 50 business and industry stakeholders participated and told us that rail was a critically important element of any transition," Cr O’Callaghan said.

"Much needed investment in Gippsland's rail infrastructure then became one of the key platforms of our Strength-Led Transition document. This document - the brain child of our community - has become our greatest asset in fighting for what our municipality deserves.

"It is a compelling document and we are pleased to see that the Federal Government, in particular our local Federal Member Darren Chester, has fought to deliver funding for vital rail upgrades in our region, which we are very grateful for.

"This investment will ensure that Gippsland has the rail service that it deserves. It will ensure that we are able to offer a regional city experience like our counterparts in Geelong, Bendigo and Ballarat.

"At last we can hope to realise a rail service that is effective, efficient and reliable; one that delivers strong social and economic outcomes to our community.

"This investment will provide strong economic benefits to our region, unlock markets, bring us closer to Melbourne and make Gippsland a more attractive decentralisation destination.

"Today's announcement is an important leap forward in our work to deliver to our community a transition grounded in our collective strengths, hopes and aspirations."

Media Enquiries:

Cr Kellie O’Callaghan, Latrobe City Mayor

Telephone: 0400 696 324

Cr Graeme Middlemiss, Latrobe City Deputy Mayor

Telephone: 0417 379 059

Media Relations Office

Telephone: 5128 5458

For general enquiries, contact Latrobe City Council on 1300 367 700.

Source: www.gippsland.com

Published by: support@gippsland.com