31 August 2023, 12:50
Legislative Council of Victoria, Melbourne
David ETTERSHANK (Western Metropolitan):
My constituency question is also for the Minister for Transport and Infrastructure. My constituent is a resident of Melton and dependent on public transport for her daily commute. She was first concerned that delaying the airport and Geelong fast rail projects would have a knock-on effect to the Western Rail Plan, which includes the electrification of the Melton line, and then became deeply concerned by media reports recently that pointed to leaked documents showing the plan may have been axed altogether. So my constituent asks: can the minister confirm whether the electrification of the Melton line will proceed and the likely time line for the delivery of that project?
Written Answer
Received: 9 January 2024
Hon. Danny Pearson
(Minister for Transport Infrastructure, Minister for the Suburban Rail Loop, Assistant Treasurer, Minister for WorkSafe and the TAC)
I thank the Member for Western Metropolitan Region for his ongoing interest in the Labor Government’s transport infrastructure investments in Melbourne’s West.
Melbourne’s outer west is one of the fastest growing areas in Australia, and it’s critical we get the transport planning right in a staged and strategic approach, to meet the needs of the community.
The $650 million Melton Line Upgrade will see stations upgraded and platforms extended to make the line ready for nine-car VLocity trains by 2028, increasing train capacity by 50 per cent.
Running longer, nine-car VLocity trains on the Melton line – instead of the existing six-car maximum – will mean more passengers can travel in comfort.
The Melton Line Upgrade will be future-proofed to allow for the potential future electrification of the corridor.
This investment is in addition to our commitment to make Melton level crossing free and build a brand-new
Melton Station by 2026, two years ahead of schedule.
Removing boom gates at gates Coburns Road, Exford Road and Ferris Road in Melton, and at Hopkins Road in Truganina, will unclog the roads for more than 73,000 vehicles each day – with the boom gates down and causing traffic frustration for up to 28 minutes in the morning peak as 16 trains pass along the corridor.
[ENDS]
