Media Release: Turnbull Government investing $475 million to build transformational Monash Rail

The Turnbull Government will invest $475 million to build the transformational Monash Rail line, tackling congestion and creating a vital transport link to a thriving jobs and education hub.

Federal Minister for Urban Infrastructure and Cities Paul Fletcher said the funding, announced in the Federal Budget last week, forms part of the Turnbull Government’s record $75 billion investment in key infrastructure including more than $20 billion for Victoria.

“This is a project that will genuinely transform the city, opening up huge employment and educational opportunities in the Monash Precinct to the rest of Melbourne,” Mr Fletcher said.

“It follows the strong advocacy of the Member for Aston Alan Tudge and the Member for Chisholm Julia Banks who have fought for this important rail line to benefit their communities.

“The Turnbull Government is investing in this project as part of its commitment to deliver the vital urban infrastructure Victoria needs to improve productivity and deal with growing congestion, in addition to other projects being funded by the Turnbull Government including Melbourne Airport Rail Link and the electrification of the Frankston to Baxter rail line.”

Mr Tudge said the project would help address congestion in the outer east and unlock the huge potential of the Monash Precinct.

“This is a project that has been talked about for decades but the Turnbull Government is making it a reality,” Mr Tudge said.

“People face hours in traffic because of the limited public transport options to the Monash Precinct. This rail link will open up the opportunity for transport to flow through the eastern corridor.”

Ms Banks said the project would boost access to jobs, health services and affordable housing.

“The Monash Precinct has been identified as a concentrated corridor of knowledge-based businesses and industry that provides high levels of employment,” Ms Banks said.

“This rail line will help students get better access to Monash University’s Clayton Campus and open up the vast employment opportunities available in this precinct.”

Monash University Chancellor, Simon McKeon AO said Monash University welcomed the Government's commitment to build the Monash rail line with a station at Clayton campus and was pleased to see the investment which would benefit the whole of the Monash Precinct.  

"Each day there are 53,000 journeys made to the Clayton campus from all across Melbourne. New rail infrastructure will make that trip easier and ensure the whole of the Monash Precinct is more accessible for the people that live, work and study in the area," said Mr McKeon.