1st of April, 2025, 1:00pm
Parliament of Victoria | Legislative Council
David ETTERSHANK (Western Metropolitan):
My constituency question is for the Minister for Public and Active Transport. My constituent lives in Rockbank. Unlike the neighbouring suburbs of Aintree, Deanside, Bonnie Brook and Mount Atkinson, Rockbank has a train station. The Bible says do not covet thy neighbour, but this station is deeply coveted.
Unfortunately, the car park at Rockbank station is full by 7:30 am, with overflow parking dangerously clogging up the surrounding streets. While Aintree residents can catch the 444 bus to the station, Rockbank residents cannot and instead often drive to the station. Extending the 444 bus could connect Rockbank as well as Deanside, Mount Atkinson and perhaps even Caroline Springs to the station and to other buses – perish the thought.
My constituent asks: what are the government’s plans for a new bus service to make Rockbank station accessible to more residents?
Written Answer
Received: 29 July 2025
Hon. Gabrielle Williams MP
(Minister for Transport Infrastructure, Minister for Public and Active Transport)
I thank the Member for Western Metropolitan Region for his question.
The Allan Labor Government recognises the important role buses play in meeting the travel needs of people living in Melbourne’s growing suburbs. Buses are a vital part of Victoria’s integrated transport system, with around 400 regular bus routes servicing metropolitan Melbourne, and local bus networks operating in regional towns and cities.
I am pleased to let you know that, as part of the Allan Labor Government’s 2025/26 State Budget, an additional $162 million is being invested into new and improved bus services, with a focus on connecting communities in Melbourne’s growing suburbs to key local destinations including train stations, schools, health services, shops and employment.
This includes funding to deliver bus service improvements in and around the Rockbank Station area being:
- new route in Aintree and Deanside to provide access to Rockbank Station and the Metro Tunnel via Watergardens Station,
- new route linking Mt Atkinson to Rockbank Station,
- extending existing routes to connect Fraser Rise residents to the Metro tunnel via Watergardens Station, and
- a new route linking Thornhill Park to Cobblebank Station.
Work to plan and deliver the new bus services is underway. More details will become available closer to implementation and will be communicated with the public.
Thank you again for raising this matter.
[ENDS]
