Mitchell Shire Council has welcomed a federal election commitment by the Federal Coalition of $2 million for a comprehensive scoping study into the duplication and extension of the Upfield rail line to Wallan.
This crucial investment will enable a detailed project plan to be developed, examining key infrastructure upgrades, technical feasibility, economic and social benefits, environmental impacts, and high-level cost estimations for the much-needed extension.
The funding will allow for in-depth planning on several key priorities, including:
Duplicating and upgrading the Upfield rail line between Gowrie and Upfield Stations to improve frequency, capacity, and reliability.
Reconfiguring the City Loop to separate the Upfield and Craigieburn lines, reducing congestion and improving service efficiency.
Extending and electrifying the Upfield line to Wallan, with new stations planned at Beveridge and Cloverton to support the region's expanding population.
The Upfield rail extension is expected to significantly ease congestion on the region's roads, particularly the Hume Freeway, and provide better access to jobs, education, health services, and key economic hubs.
The Northern Councils Alliance, comprising the municipalities of Mitchell Shire, Banyule, Darebin, Hume, Merri-bek, Nillumbik and Whittlesea, has strongly championed the project
As part of the funding arrangement, the money will be made available to a northern council, which will manage the project on behalf of the NCA.
A contractor will be engaged to deliver the scoping study in collaboration with key stakeholders, ensuring a comprehensive assessment of the project's feasibility and next steps.
Mitchell Shire Mayor Councillor John Dougall said the NCA has been instrumental in highlighting the urgent need for improved public transport services to meet the demands of the region's rapidly increasing population.
"The duplication and extension of the Upfield line is essential to ensuring our rapidly growing communities have access to reliable, efficient, and sustainable transport," he said.
"A key element of this project is a train station at Beveridge that will support the rapidly occurring development in the area. This part of the project is ready to go and is urgently needed by our community. However, State or Federal Government funding is required to make it a reality.
"The northern growth corridor is one of the fastest-growing regions in the country, and this project will help unlock significant economic, social, and employment opportunities for our residents.
"This project will not only benefit Mitchell Shire but the entire northern region by providing high-quality public transport options and reducing our reliance on car travel.
"We look forward to working with all levels of government and key stakeholders to ensure this project moves forward as quickly as possible."
Mitchell Shire Council will continue to work with the NCA to advocate for additional funding for the next stages of the project, which will include detailed design work and construction planning.
