THE rail line to Baxter from Frankston has become a battleground between the Liberal and Labor candidates for Dunkley in the lead up to this weekend’s federal election.
Liberal candidate Chris Crewther last week effectively duplicated a Labor pledge last month to fund a business case study into the electrification and duplication of the Frankston-Baxter rail line but also suggested a new train station at Frankston Hospital and a third rail track between Frankston and Melbourne could be a possibility.
Mr Crewther has committed to a $4 million ‘Dunkley Rail Transport Plan’ if the Turnbull government is re-elected meaning a business case will be carried out no matter which party wins the 2 July federal election.
“Our plan is a strategy to achieve real transport solutions for everyone, from residents to commuters, students and visitors,” he said in a statement.
“Ensuring our communities have efficient transport, adequate parking and reduced congestion are crucial for liveable cities and jobs and growth.”
Federal Liberal Minister for Major Projects Paul Fletcher joined Mr Crewther at Baxter train station last Thursday to make the $4 million project scoping commitment.
“A third express line from Frankston to the city is required to improve access and ease congestion and to create a 30-minute city,” Mr Fletcher said.
Ms Murphy said the last-minute Liberal plan floating the idea of a train station at the hospital was a “desperate” bid for votes since its feasibility had not been considered.
“The idea has never been raised by anyone in the extensive community consultation process undertaken for the Frankston Station Precinct Taskforce,” Ms Murphy said.
“Peninsula Health was on that taskforce, and even they didn’t ask for it. This is policy on the run.”
The Labor hopeful also noted any plan to add a third rail line between Frankston and Melbourne would be predominantly a state government and not federal-led project.
Frankston Council welcomed both parties’ recognition that the electrification of the rail line to Baxter would free up car parking space in the centre of Frankston and would reduce congestion at Frankston train station.
“Electrification of the Frankston rail line to Baxter will result in residents from Baxter, Frankston South and Langwarrin having greater access to education and employment opportunities, access to TAFE, university and hospital facilities as well as fewer vehicles parked in the city centre,” Mayor Cr James Dooley said.
