Master Builders Victoria CEO Radley de Silva welcomed the Prime Minister’s announcement last week of $5 billion for a rail link between Melbourne and Tullamarine Airport.

“Victoria needs to respond to the request for matching funds to get this project underway,” he said.

“There is little more to say other than ‘It’s about time’,” Mr de Silva said. “We are glad to see the appropriate use of expert advice from Infrastructure Australia.”

“The logic of, and crucial need for, a Tullamarine rail link to the city has been vivid for decades, and we are finally a step closer to having it.”

“Let’s get on with it,” Mr de Silva said. “Shovel-readiness is the next milestone.”

“Victoria has the fastest-growing population of any state or territory in the nation, and the building and construction industry is ready to deliver this critical piece of transportation infrastructure our state needs.”

“If we are to actually solve our significant infrastructure problems, we need to follow the recommendations of independent agencies in which we have invested so much time and money.”

“Infrastructure Australia and Infrastructure Victoria have been tasked with advising on our urban development challenges,” Mr de Silva said, “and we cannot tolerate wasted time, money and wheel-spinning for political jockeying.”

“If the best aspects of Melbourne and Victoria are to thrive instead of wither, we need to see critical infrastructure projects not just pitched and planned, but made shovel-ready,” he said. “That means transportation infrastructure as well as schools, aged-care centres and hospitals.”

“We certainly need a building and construction minister who can spearhead the delivery of critical projects and the necessary work force to deliver on the building needs of our fast-paced population growth.”