Australian State Budget Diverts Funds to Rail Projects

9 June 2010 (Last Updated June 9th, 2010 18:30)

The budget for the Australian state of New South Wales has allocated an extra A$55m ($45.3m) to fast track the Lilyfield-Dulwich Hill light rail extension project. The funding is part of A$230m ($189.5m) allocated for extensions to the light rail network. Another A$1bn ($824

The budget for the Australian state of New South Wales has allocated an extra A$55m ($45.3m) to fast track the Lilyfield-Dulwich Hill light rail extension project.

The funding is part of A$230m ($189.5m) allocated for extensions to the light rail network.

Another A$1bn ($824m) from the budget has been diverted to the $4.5bn ($3.7bn) Western Express Rail Service.

The project involves building a priority tunnel to separate western Sydney and the inner-city train services, and to provide additional platforms.

The Southwest Rail Link also received an additional A$1.7bn ($1.4bn), while A$6.7bn ($5.5bn) has been allocated for 626 new passenger carriages, according to express.whereilive.com.au.

The Australian State Government has diverted A$22.3bn ($18.4bn) over four years towards transportation projects, including trains and trams.