Wednesday, 31 May 2023

Western Victoria Region

Bev McARTHUR (Western Victoria) (12:56): (217) My question is for the Minister for Regional Development and relates to the long-awaited intermodal freight hub in Ballarat. The hub was first considered in 1998, but it took until September last year – 2022 – just prior to the state election, for groundworks to begin. It was confirmed on 4 October, with Development Victoria on site for a photo shoot and a story, which started with these words:

Early works are now underway …

… in preparation for major construction to take place next year …

Through Senate estimates we now know the hub is part of the national review of infrastructure projects, despite the minister – and member for Ballarat – Catherine King stating that projects under construction would not be included in the review. Can the minister please explain, then, whether the project is in the planning phase or, as Development Victoria’s own photos suggest, work has already begun?