维多利亚州新任州长本·卡罗尔必须在9月前就郊区铁路环线（SRL）项目做出决定[1]。隧道掘进机目前已在伯伍德准备就绪，计划在4至8周内启动挖掘作业，这将成为该项目的关键转折点[1]。卡罗尔表示将通过内阁程序对该项目进行审查，同时强调自己将是"一个不违反合同的州长"[1]。
维多利亚州政府已签订超过140亿澳元的合同用于建设铁路隧道[1]，同时还在签署另一份数十亿澳元的合同以建设六个地下车站中的一半[1]。一旦隧道掘进机开始挖掘，几乎不可能将其从地下提出[1]。反对党已承诺若当选将暂停并审查该项目[1]。
Victorian Premier Ben Carroll is under mounting pressure to make a final decision on the Suburban Rail Loop (SRL) project before September, as tunnel boring machines stand ready to commence excavation work.[1] The tunneling equipment positioned in Burwood is scheduled to begin digging within four to six weeks, with a possible extension to eight weeks, placing the critical milestone in August or September.[1] This moment carries watershed significance for the multibillion-dollar infrastructure project, as once excavation commences, extracting the tunnel boring machines from underground becomes virtually impossible.[1]
Carroll has committed to reviewing the project through cabinet processes while pledging that his government will not breach existing contracts.[1] The state has already signed contracts exceeding 14 billion Australian dollars for construction of the rail tunnel,[1] with additional contracts worth billions more currently being finalized to construct half of the six planned underground stations.[1] The premier stated: "I will be a premier who does not break contracts."[1] The opposition party has countered by pledging to pause and review the project should it win the next election.[1]