For three years, the Victorian and federal governments have been at odds over funding the Suburban Rail Loop. The state government's frustration with Canberra's refusal to fund the project has grown, especially as Infrastructure Australia questions the state government’s business plan. The plan fails to address key issues like evaluating the correct project, assessing alternatives, providing accurate economic benefits, and planning for risks.
The Suburban Rail Loop aims to connect Cheltenham to Werribee via new rail lines, with the first stage (Cheltenham to Box Hill) targeted for completion by 2035. However, the business case combines East and West stages, which complicates funding negotiations