Nationals Member for Mildura Jade Benham has urged the Allan Government to adopt a more practical approach to regional rail upgrades, calling on Transport Infrastructure Minister Danny Pearson to rethink plans for sleeper replacement on the Ballarat rail corridor.
During an adjournment debate on Thursday evening, Ms. Benham questioned why the Allan Labor Government is moving forward with plans to replace 24,000 sleepers with concrete broad-gauge sleepers, instead of using gauge convertible sleepers.
The latter would allow future standardisation of the Maryborough rail freight corridor, enhancing connectivity for rail freight from northern Victoria.
Ms. Benham, who has been advocating for the standardisation of this key section of rail since her election in 2022, emphasised the need for a long-term, efficient approach in Parliament late last week.
“Why on earth would the Government waste time and taxpayer money installing broad-gauge sleepers when we could complete this section of the Murray Basin Rail Project with gauge convertible sleepers?” she asked.
Image: https://pixabay.com/photos/track-rails-train-track-rails-973292/
