AMID criticism at her embrace of Victorian budget spending on the North East's troubled train service, Cathy McGowan says she "not an apologist" for the State Government.
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The member for Indi has been attacked by her Liberal election rival Sophie Mirabella who said the $15 million funding was “bad news” and only Ms McGowan and State Labor would think it was “good enough”.
The Border Rail Action Group also slated the amount as a pittance when compared to other regions.
Ms McGowan welcomed the money as a sign the Labor Government was committed to action.
“I'm not an apologist for the Government, it's not nearly enough money,” Ms McGowan said.
“We need a whole lot more, we need new carriages and a VLocity, so what BRAG and others are saying is true, but it is significant.
“We've moved from no action to some action.”
Ms McGowan said $2 million for a business case was “a big achievement”.
“With the mudholes we didn't have the planning that was necessary and got caught,” she said.
Wodonga businessman Bernie Mylon's view that there was not an interest among Victorian governments of Coalition or Labor hue to improve the service prompted Ms McGowan to say she had triggered change.
“I agree with him about the two parties and how they play this game, but I think with me being an independent and competitive the game's changed,” Ms McGowan said.
“I'm sure that's why the $15 million has come through, I think that's the only thing that's been different.”
Labor candidate for Indi Eric Kerr hoped the $15 million would bolster the rail service, but accepted most travellers would be frustrated at the lack of urgency from the Victorian Government.
“I'm not going to promise anything because there's no point,” Mr Kerr said.
“All I can say is we'll try and see a maximisation of that $15 million spend.”
Mr Kerr said he did not know whether the $15 million was due to Cathy McGowan.
