A NEW advisory board has been appointed to overview Victoria’s biggest rail project in more than 40 years.

Public Transport Minister Martin Pakula announced the new Regional Rail Link Authority’s advisory board would be chaired by Peter Watson, a former chief executive of Transfield Services.

“Mr Watson brings many years expertise and experience from one of the country’s leading infrastructure providers,” Mr Pakula said.

Mr Pakula said the authority’s first task would be to award major construction contracts for the $4.3 billion project.

Mr Pakula said he believed the establishment of a new authority and a board would provide clear lines of accountability and make the project more efficient.

“Regional Rail Link is Victoria’s biggest rail project in 40 years and it is important the project team has the support of a strong board with expertise in delivering major projects,” he said.

According to Mr Pakula, staff on the present project will be transferred into the new authority, which will soon be assigned other key board members.

Work on the Regional Rail Link began in August 2009.