Mitchell Shire Council has welcomed the Federal Government's $7.05 million commitment to develop a business case aimed at uplifting services on the Craigieburn, Upfield and Northern Growth Corridor lines.
The business case will explore a range of critical infrastructure upgrades needed to respond to population growth across Melbourne's north including:
- Track modifications
- Electrification
- Signalling and power upgrades
- Level crossing removals
- Additional stabling
- Potential new stations such as Cloverton/Lockerbie, Beveridge and Summer Hill Road.
Extending the Upfield rail line is expected to help ease pressure on key arterial roads such as the Hume Freeway by offering a viable public transport alternative for commuters.
The project would improve access to employment opportunities, education, healthcare and major economic centres across the region.
The Northern Councils Alliance - made up of Mitchell Shire, Banyule, Darebin, Hume, Merri-bek, Nillumbik and Whittlesea - has been a strong advocate for this project, highlighting its importance in supporting sustainable growth and liveability in Melbourne's north.
This commitment from the Federal Government and a recent $2 million pledge by the Federal Coalition to fund a scoping study into the duplication and extension of the Upfield line, means this important project has bipartisan support.
Mitchell Shire Council Interim CEO Mary Agostino said Council was encouraged to see both major parties backing rail investment for Melbourne's fast-growing northern corridor.
"Bipartisan commitment gives our communities real confidence that momentum is building and that the transport infrastructure we need is firmly on the national agenda," she said.
"The NCA has worked tirelessly to highlight the need for better transport connections in Melbourne's north.
"This united approach across local government has helped put this project on the map, and it's great to see that advocacy being recognised at the federal level.
"This is a major step toward improving access to jobs, education and essential services, while also helping to ease congestion on our roads.
"We look forward to continuing to work with all levels of government to bring these upgrades to life."
Council will continue to advocate for further investment in rail infrastructure to ensure fast-growing communities across the Northern Growth Corridor are connected with reliable and frequent public transport.
