Inadequate parking at Rockbank train station and limited bus services in the area are adding to the woes of commuters, a Melton councillor says.
Speaking during council’s December meeting, Cr Phillip Zada called on the state government to address parking, amenity and safety concerns at Rockbank station.
He said the station car park is “perpetually at capacity”.
He said he had heard from locals who leave for work at 4am to ensure they can park at the station, while others park illegally along Leakes Road and in nearby streets.
“This creates hazardous conditions, obstructing visibility and compromising road safety,” he said.
“Moreover, the lack of reliable public bus services leaves residents with limited transport options, intensifying the demand for parking and reducing overall accessibility.
“Addressing these issues is critical as the surrounding areas continue to experience rapid residential growth.”
Cr Zada said the station’s toilets were often locked, depriving commuters of essential amenities, and that a lack of Protective Services Offices at the station was exacerbating safety concerns.
He said it was critical that the government addressed these issues as the suburbs around the station were growing rapidly.
“The minister for public transport is invited to experience the daily reality faced by many hard-working residents by commuting from one of the new estates in Mount Atkinson, Rockbank, or Thornhill Park to the city without the use of a car,” he said.
“This lived experience would underscore the pressing need for improvements and foster a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by our community.”
A state government spokesperson said Rockbank passengers were benefiting from an upgrade to the station delivered as part of the Ballarat line upgrade, which had created 350 parking spaces. The upgrade referenced by the spokesperson was in 2019.
Also during the December council meeting, Cr Ashleigh Vandenberg suggested council consider creating a temporary car park within five kilometres of the station.
However, the suggestion was knocked back amid concerns about the proposed car park’s distance from the station.
Council will write to Public and Active Transport Minister Gabrielle Williams and VicTrack to highlight the concerns and request a meeting with mayor Steve Abboushi and chief executive Roslyn Wai
