THE state government must earmark money in today’s budget to urgently address vital transport needs across Melbourne’s west, the opposition says.
In a united call for action, western suburbs MPs said there was a distinct east-west population and infrastructure imbalance.
The call was made by Don Nardella (Melton), Tim Pallas (Tarneit), Wade Noonan (Williamstown), Jill Hennessy (Altona), Natalie Hutchins (Keilor) and Marlene Kairouz (Kororoit).
Included in their wish list was the electrification of rail services to Melton, intermodal transport hubs and more money to bolster safety on the Melton Highway.
Moorabool mayor Pat Griffin echoed calls for a boost to transport services, highlighting the need for the duplication of the Melbourne-Ballarat V/Line service. “Our train service is pretty good. We can get from Bacchus Marsh to the city in 39 minutes, but there are a number of times when the train will have to stop to let other express trains go past,” he said.
“The electrification of rail services to Melton would make it a much smoother ride. Just having the single line limits the ability to have a flexible schedule. We really need that line duplicated.”
Bacchus Marsh Community Land Group spokesman John Spain, who commutes from Bacchus Marsh to Melbourne about twice a week, said duplication of the rail line would relieve congestion when trains were forced to stop because Ballarat express trains were running late.
For updates, visit mooraboolweekly.com.au
