Victoria urged to press on with major rail projects

The Australasian Railway Association has welcomed the appointment of Vicki Ward as Victoria's new Minister for Public Transport, saying the change comes at an important time for the state's transport agenda.

The association urged the Victorian Government to keep major rail projects on track, including the Suburban Rail Loop and the Melbourne Airport Rail Link. It said both should proceed as planned as Melbourne faces continued population growth and rising demand on transport infrastructure.

Caroline Wilkie, Chief Executive Officer of the Australasian Railway Association, said the appointment comes as major transport works are already under way or in planning.

"Victoria is on the cusp of transforming its transport networks, with the Suburban Rail Loop now underway and plans in place for the Melbourne Airport Rail Link," Wilkie said.

"These projects will deliver significant benefits to the state's economy and enable new housing, improved transport access and enhanced liveability.

"It is essential that both of these projects proceed as planned, and we look forward to engaging with the Victorian Government to support their successful delivery."

The intervention adds to the debate over Victoria's long-term infrastructure priorities, where transport planning has become closely tied to housing supply, labour mobility and suburban development. Supporters have presented the Suburban Rail Loop as a project that will reshape travel across Melbourne's middle suburbs, while the airport rail link has long been seen as a missing piece in the city's public transport network.

Wilkie said investment decisions over the next decade would be significant for a city expected to keep expanding. She said public transport construction would not only add capacity to the network but also support employment and broader economic activity.

"Melbourne will soon be Australia's largest capital city and must continue to invest in its transport networks to support its growth," Wilkie said.

"Suburban Rail Loop will help create 70,000 new houses and improve access to jobs, health and education services for many Melburnians.

"The project will also provide 24,000 jobs during construction, boosting the state's economy and keeping skills in Victoria.

"Melbourne Airport Rail Link will untangle the metropolitan network and boost jobs and opportunities in the northern and western suburbs."

Freight focus

The association also welcomed the reappointment of Melissa Horne as Minister for Port and Freight. The response reflects a parallel focus on rail freight reform alongside passenger transport expansion.

Freight operators and rail advocates have long argued that more freight should move by rail rather than road, particularly on busy urban and regional corridors. The association said that shift could improve the efficiency of the freight network.

"There is a real opportunity to realise increased efficiencies across the freight network through greater use of rail, and we look forward to continuing to work with Minister Horne to progress freight reforms in the state," Wilkie said.