RPP FM reports the Liberal Party has reaffirmed its long-standing commitment to the extension of the Baxter rail line, with Dunkley candidate Nathan Conroy joining Flinders MP Zoe McKenzie to announce a $900 million funding pledge—conditional on a Coalition return to government.
The proposed extension would see the electrified Frankston Line extended to Baxter, incorporating two new stations and 2,000 additional car parks, aimed at relieving congestion and improving access to major institutions in the region.
“This is a game changer for this region,” said Mr Conroy. “This is going to connect people to the Frankston Hospital, which is undergoing a $1.1 billion redevelopment, and also Monash University.”
The Baxter rail extension was a key policy point for Mr Conroy during the 2023 Dunkley by-election, where he significantly narrowed Labor’s margin. The project has long been considered a critical piece of infrastructure for the Mornington Peninsula, with local residents frequently citing transport as a major issue.
While Mr Conroy is taking the lead on the ground this week, his colleague Zoe McKenzie has announced that she will be campaigning remotely due to illness.
“My campaign will be partly digital this week,” Ms McKenzie said. “We’ll have some special guests standing in to make announcements I was due to deliver in person.”
Ms McKenzie also flagged that further announcements are on the way, particularly for community groups, veterans, and public transport initiatives.
The Baxter rail extension has long been a political football in the region, with debate over funding, feasibility and timelines stretching back more than a decade. The Liberals’ renewed commitment is expected to sharpen the focus on infrastructure in the lead-up to the next federal election.
