Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry Acting Chief Executive Bryce Prosser said key rail commitments in Warrnambool as part of the $1.45 billion regional rail revival package would benefit the region’s residents and businesses.

“Regional Victorians depend on a reliable rail service connecting the entire state. This budget recognises that Victoria’s rail and road transport network needs investment and this will result in increased productivity benefitting thousands of businesses,” he said.

“This Budget has a focus on regional Victoria and is committed to ensuring businesses in these regions have the best chance to grow and employ more people. Warrnambool will experience significant benefits from the $100 million in upgrades, the 39 new VLocity carriages, and almost $10 million to fund the level crossing upgrades already underway on the Warrnambool Line.”

Mr Prosser added that local businesses in Warnambool would likely experience a boost in business confidence, with 2,000 jobs likely to be created across the state

“This rail package will make it easier to travel around Victoria, and with $10 million allocated to develop a new airport rail plan, Victoria is working towards a rail network that starts at Melbourne airport and links to all that Victoria has to offer,” Mr Prosser said.

“Victoria’s reputation as a great place to live and work can only continue if we invest in it. This Budget has a focus on regional Victoria and is committed to ensuring businesses in these regions have the best chance to grow and employ more people.”

The Victorian Chamber also welcomed a $531 million investment to improve roads in regional Victoria including a $260.3 million boost to regional road maintenance

“Transport has received significant investment in this budget and by improving connectivity across the state and reducing travel times, we expect increased productivity for many Victorian businesses. This will boost the confidence of all Victorian businesses and promote jobs growth,” Mr Prosser said.