home tourism news business directory about us contact us Login

Latest News

Gippsland › Latest news › Peter Walsh MP

Labor’s Botched Basin Rail a "missed opportunity": VAGO

Cost blowouts have left the Basin Rail barely half finished.

By Portal Admin - 19th March 2020 - Back to News

A damning report on the Andrews Labor Government’s botched handling of the Murray Basin Rail Project has found it has "not met scope, time, cost or quality expectations".

The Victorian Auditor-General’s Office (VAGO) released its report on freight rail projects in Victoria today, finding cost blowouts have left the Basin Rail barely half finished – despite 86.7 per cent of the project’s budget ($381.5 million) being spent.

According to VAGO, "completion of the MBRP is a year overdue, with over twice the original budget now estimated as necessary to complete the project to its original approved scope" (VAGO, p33).

VAGO also found:

Delays and cost overruns have worsened due to "ineffective contract management, project management and project execution by V/Line",
Responses to the Federal Government’s requests for information from the Andrews Government "were not always forthright or timely", and;
There is still no revised completion date for the Project.

Today in State Parliament, Labor’s Transport Infrastructure Minister Jacinta Allan continued arrogantly refusing to take responsibility for derailing the now stalled Project.

The Minister also refused to confirm the remaining funds to finish the Basin Rail upgrades will be committed in the upcoming State Budget.

Ms Allan has had responsibility for the Basin Rail Project since December 2014 and previously spruiked to Parliament: "It has taken a Labor government to deliver this Murray Basin Rail Project, It has taken a Labor government to complete the business case".

The Basin Rail Project is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to upgrade and standardize Victoria’s freight rail network. Its completion – in full – will deliver productivity and cost efficiencies for producers and transport stakeholders in north-west Victoria.

But the Andrews Labor Government has completely botched the project, severely slowing down trains and leaving key stakeholders saying they were better off before the project started.

Comment attributable to Leader of The Nationals and Shadow Minister for Regional Victoria and Decentralisation Peter Walsh

VAGO’s findings confirm the worst for producers and stakeholders in north-west Victoria – Labor has no plan and no money to get the Basin Rail project back on track.

The Minister’s extraordinary attempt to smear the credibility of the Auditor-General in Parliament shows she will go to any lengths to avoid taking responsibility for botching this transformational project.

The buck stops with Jacinta Allan. Excuses won’t fix the Minister’s mess.

If Jacinta Allan won’t take responsibility and get on with providing a revised business case to the Commonwealth, she must immediately hand over responsibility to a Minister who will.

Comment attributable to Shadow Minister for Transport Infrastructure David Davis

It’s time Jacinta Allan took responsibility for her failed project. It’s time she provided full information to the Commonwealth rather than hiding this critical information.

Less than half the project is completed and the outcomes for freight movements are disastrous. Jacinta Allan should hang her head in shame.

Source: www.gippsland.com

Published by: support@gippsland.com

Related Articles

East Gippsland Rail Trail upgraded and officially opened, boosting tourism, and local economy across the 96km trail
The final 11.46 km of the East Gippsland Rail Trail is complete, fully resurfaced, and open, boosting tourism, supporting local businesses, and providing a high-quality recreational asset for the community.
Gippsland’s Great Southern Rail Trail passes charming villages, rolling hills, murals, waterfalls, and welcoming country hospitality
The Great Southern Rail Trail stretches 146 km through Gippsland, linking rolling hills, charming villages, art-filled streets, cider tastings, waterfalls, scenic lookouts, and unforgettable cycling and walking experiences.
Discover Noojee historic Trestle Bridge, explore lush forests, rail trails, waterfalls, and heritage sites in charming old timber town
Explore Noojee historic trestle bridge, Victoria’s tallest, stroll rail trails, chase waterfalls, fish the Latrobe River, and enjoy cafés, pubs, lush forests, and the majestic Ada Tree nearby.
Wellington Shire Council invites community feedback on the Great Southern Rail Trail Master Plan to boost tourism by 8 May 2026
With the Alberton-Welshpool link complete, Wellington’s Great Southern Rail Trail Master Plan will guide improvements, boost tourism, support local businesses, and involve the community in shaping a sustainable, high-quality trail.
Darren Chester praises Cowwarr artist Jo Caminiti and her metal kelpies ‘Railway Dog’ to be unveiled in Glengarry on 22 March 2026
Three life-sized metal kelpie sculptures by Cowwarr artist Jo Caminiti will be installed along the Gippsland Plains Rail Trail, celebrating the legendary Railway Dog story and boosting tourism.
South Gippsland Council invites artists to create site-specific sculpture on Great Southern Rail Trail, submissions open 2 February 2026
South Gippsland Shire Council invites artists or collectives to create a site-responsive sculpture on the Great Southern Rail Trail. Submissions for Expressions of Interest close 5 pm, Monday 2 February 2026.
Danny O’Brien encourages missed applicants to apply for round two Sporting Club Grants funding opportunities by 7 April 2026
Many Gippsland South sporting clubs and community groups secured 2025–26 Sporting Club Grants funding, boosting facilities, equipment, and volunteers, with Danny O’Brien encouraging unsuccessful clubs to apply for round two.

Care has been taken in compiling the component parts of this website. However, Gippsland.com does not warrant or represent that the website is free from errors or omissions, that the qualifications claimed by an advertiser are valid or that the published details of any advertiser are as stated on the website. Please review the full statement of our Terms and Conditions of Service and disclaimer.