Mitchell Shire Council is seeking urgent action to improve the region’s transport system and address severe traffic congestion.
One of seven councils that form the Northern Councils Alliance, including the councils of Banyule, Darebin, Hume, Merri-bek, Nillumbik, and Whittlese, the Alliance has recently launched a new campaign titled ‘Connect Melbourne’s North: It’s time to transform our transport’.
The campaign kicked off last week with a call for Federal and State Government to duplicate and extend the Upfield rail line, stating that the extension would help support current and future communities to access jobs and essential services, address the cost-of-living crisis, improve social connection, and reduce climate change emissions.
In a statement, the Alliance raised concerns that Melbourne’s north, home to 20 per cent of Greater Melbourne’s population, did not have an adequate transport system.
“This population growth has not been matched with the necessary investment in transport,” they said.
“Over the years this has caused massive road congestion and delays in connecting between transport options – limiting business growth and access to jobs, education, and health services, and contributing to social isolation.
“Today, our community must rely on a public transport service that does not meet their requirements or else drive their own vehicle, which leads to increased congestion.
“In the north, a journey that is a 35-minute drive by car can be two hours or more by public transport, and weekend services in many areas across the region are almost non-existent.”
Mitchell Shire Acting Mayor Nathan Clark shared the Alliance’s concerns, stating long commutes were an issue for many residents.
“Population growth has not been matched with investment in transport options,” he said.
“Many of our residents face long commutes, with massive road congestion and delays in transport connections. More people are coming to live in our region, and we urgently need to improve rail and transport more generally to service our rapidly growing population.”
To find out more, visit www.connectmelbournesnorth.com.
