THE Liberals have reaffirmed their commitment to spend $900m on the extension of the Frankston railway line. The electrification and duplication of the Frankston line towards Baxter has been plagued by false starts in the past. In 2023, the federal government axed a budgeted $225m set aside for the project by the Coalition government in 2018. A review into ongoing infrastructure projects commissioned by the federal government shortly after its election recommended scrapping the project.
Liberal candidate for Dunkley Nathan Conroy announced the $900m promise prior to the March 2024 by-election. Last week he reaffirmed that promise ahead of the federal election. “I’ve heard from local residents in Frankston South and Langwarrin about the need for better public transport. This essential project will reduce congestion, improve travel times, and get our community moving,” Conroy said.
Flinders MP Zoe McKenzie said “traffic congestion and availability of public transport is a major problem for commuters on the Mornington Peninsula. “This project will be a game changer, connecting residents to jobs, education, services and amenities on the peninsula and beyond.”
The $900m commitment is unlikely to be anywhere near enough to complete the project – a business case completed more than five years ago costed the project at up to $1.5b.
First published in the Mornington News – 29 April 2025
