There are calls for the State Government to help fund a Wollert Rail Feasibility Study – a ‘crucial step’ in the delivery of the much-needed Wollert Rail line extension.
The study will provide an analysis of better transport options for the City of Whittlesea with exploration of the Epping line extending to Epping North and Wollert.
It is estimated there will initially be 15,000 daily trips on the Wollert rail, increasing to 40,000 daily trips by 2040.
The study was identified in the Victorian Infrastructure Plan in 2017, and is outlined in Victoria’s 30 Year Infrastructure Strategy, to address infrastructure demands but is still yet to be completed.
The Federal Government committed $250,000 in the October 2022-23 Federal Budget to fund a feasibility study for public transport in the area.
But the City of Whittlesea said the funding was ‘contingent’ on the State Government matching the $250,000.
City of Whittlesea chief executive Craig Lloyd said the feasibility study was a ‘crucial step’ in the delivery of the much-needed Wollert Rail line extension.
“Wollert Rail is an essential piece of infrastructure that will have an immense positive impact on the lives of residents in the Epping – Wollert Growth Corridor, including improving access to the Northern Hospital for key workers and patients,” he said.
Mr Lloyd said the rail was one of council’s key advocacy projects and it would continue to advocate the State Government to match the Federal Government’s investment in the 2023-24 financial year.
“Council regularly meets with state and federal member of parliaments both within and outside the municipality, as well as ministers to raise awareness and progress the City of Whittlesea’s advocacy priorities for our community,” he said.
Nationals Member for Northern Victoria Gaelle Broad urged Transport Minister Jacinta Allan to explain when the feasibility study would be completed.
Ms Broad last month told Parliament the planned rail was a vital piece of infrastructure for thousands of residents in the growing suburbs.
“In November 2019, Jacinta Allan wrote to the City of Whittlesea to say the State Government would start the feasibility study into the new rail in 2022, but since then nothing has been done,” she said.
A State Government spokesperson said the government was continuing to work with the Federal Government on their commitment to deliver a feasibility study.
“We won’t be lectured by Gaelle Broad and the Victorian Liberal and Nationals who have made commitments to several rail projects all in the south and east of Melbourne, but nothing for the northern suburbs of Melbourne, including Wollert Rail,” the spokesperson said.
In the lead-up to the 2019 Federal election, then shadow minister for infrastructure, transport, cities and regional development Anthony Albanese announced a Shorten Labor government would contribute towards the study, if elected.
Federal Member for McEwen Rob Mitchell and Member for Scullin Andrew Giles announced the promised $500,000 towards the study.
Mr Mitchell said last week the study was expected to be completed by mid-2024, and it was expected the State Government would match the funding contribution.
“The project schedule will be determined as planning on the project progresses and in consultation with the Victorian Department of Transport and Planning,” he said.
“The Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications, and the Arts is awaiting submission of a detailed formal project proposal from the Victorian Department of Transport and Planning.”
Mr Giles echoed Mr Mitchell’s statement and was pleased the Labor Government’s first budget was able to deliver $250,000 to the study.
“Access to public transport in our growing communities is so important, and something I’ve been campaigning for since I was first elected,” he said.
“The Albanese Government understands the importance of delivering more accessible transport infrastructure, which is why we have committed to a feasibility study to address these challenges in the Epping North and Wollert areas.”
