THE stalled Murray Basin Rail Project is an example of the big parties failing us.

Member for Mildura Ali Cupper says the project being overlooked in Tuesday’s Federal Budget was extremely disappointing.

“It is so frustrating to see rail projects in Shepparton, Warrnambool and Geelong all receive major funding allocations in the Federal Budget, but there’s nothing for the Murray Basin Rail Project,” Ms Cupper said.

“There will be a lot of finger-pointing about this issue, but the time for politics is over.

“We need the big parties to step up and get this project funded and completed in full. Who ultimately funds it is irrelevant, just get it done.

“Given the huge impact of COVID-19 on our economy, this was the perfect chance to fund a major, job-making project in our region and we have again been failed.

“It’s not good enough. We deserve better.”

Ms Cupper said the Victorian and Federal governments now needed to explain what was happening with the project.

“My understanding is the updated business plan was delivered by the Victorian Government to the Federal Government many weeks ago, but the plan has not been made public,” she said.

“Our farmers and industry groups are relying on this project to be completed in full, so I’m calling on the governments to step up, fund it, and get on with completing it.”