Benjamin Millar
Better transport connections to the booming Melton growth area is vital for dealing with population growth into the future, according to the state’s independent infrastructure advisory body.
Infrastructure Victoria has identified four key transport projects that will need to be delivered over the next 30 years to better connect Victorians to jobs, services and each other as the state recovers from the heavy hit inflicted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
‘Victoria’s infrastructure strategy 2021–2051’ makes 94 recommendations worth around $100 billion to keep Melbourne moving as population grows, including extending suburban train lines in Melbourne’s growing outer north and west, preparing for the Outer Metropolitan Ring Road, reconfiguring the City Loop and upgrading road technology systems.
The strategy calls for a business case to be developed within the next two years to extend electrified metropolitan train services from Sunshine to Rockbank.
“Infrastructure Victoria’s strategic assessment indicates there is a compelling case to introduce electrified suburban services along the western corridor as far as Rockbank, or alternatively to a new station at the proposed Mt Atkinson activity centre,” it states.
The project should include better bus connections to nearby areas such as Rockbank North and Plumpton, according to the strategy.
Modelling suggests that strong underlying population growth may require later electrification of the western line to Melton by the 2040s.
The strategy also identifies the need for a new library and aquatic centre in the Melton area within the next five years.
Infrastructure Victoria chief executive Michel Masson says while large built infrastructure projects will continue to be important as Melbourne grows, they should be integrated with strategic land use planning.
Mr Masson said much of the demand for new infrastructure is in outer growth areas such as the Melton corridor, with outer-northern and western suburbs expected to attract more than 800,000 new residents over the next 30 years – double the current population of Canberra.
“By better connecting outer suburban growth areas and the regions to Melbourne, we can provide fairer access to jobs, transport and services for all regardless of postcode,” Mr Masson said.
“Every Victorian deserves good access to jobs, services, and public transport whether they live in Mildura, Middle Park, Melton or Mallacoota.”
