The electrification of the train line between Melton and Melbourne should be included in future transport plans, according to two regional lobby groups.
The Western Transport Alliance and LeadWest made the call in a joint submission to the state government’s Plan Melbourne growth strategy. Released in October, the plan is designed to be a planning and transport blueprint that will shape how Melburnians work and live for the next 40 years.
Both the alliance and LeadWest are made up of members of local councils in Melbourne’s west, including Melton.
In the submission, the alliance said the electrification of the Melton rail line was more important than the Doncaster project.
“Given the occurring growth in the outer west, and in particular the Melton municipality, the region believes the Melton rail line upgrade should be a higher priority than a Doncaster rail line given the excellent bus service already serving that area, a luxury not currently available to the Melton area,” the report stated.
LeadWest chief executive Craig Rowley said rail upgrades would make it easier for people to commute to work and would link Melton with regional areas of significance. “[The train line] has to be electrified and have stations at Toolern and Caroline Springs to allow for residents to commute to Melton for work,’’ he said.
“The transport corridor from Melbourne to Ballarat needs to see the rail line duplicated to connect Bacchus Marsh to the [proposed] neighbourhood activity centre in Melton.
“It also makes it easier for residents from Bacchus Marsh to reach the employment clusters in Sunshine and Werribee.”
In its submission, the alliance said Plan Melbourne was a well-researched, broad-based strategy, but there were many questions left unanswered as to how the vision would be delivered.
Melton’s Plan Melbourne wishlist
■ Electrification of the Melton line
■ New train stations at Toolern and Caroline Springs
■ Rail links to Melbourne and Avalon airports
■ Improved public transport
