The Wollert Transport Corridor Study is now underway, providing an analysis of transport needs and the much-needed Wollert Rail line extension.
The comprehensive study will provide critical analysis to guide future planning for the corridor.
Under the collaboration of the Victorian and Commonwealth Government, the study includes a transport demand assessment, potential implementation options, service design alternatives, and land requirements, ensuring a thorough evaluation of the corridor’s future use.
Addressing the infrastructure needs for the northern catchment, the study was identified in the Victorian Infrastructure Plan in 2017, and outlined in Victoria’s 30 Year Infrastructure Strategy.
The study is also a key advocacy project for the City of Whittlesea, who described the project as an ‘essential piece of infrastructure,’ expecting the rail to have an estimated 15,000 daily trips from launch, increasing to 40,000 daily trips by 2040.
Last month, The Age reported that a landowner took on Council and Victoria’s Transport Department over the ‘Epping North transport corridor,’ but had lost the fight to subdivide his property.
With approval for the study now granted, the analysis will detail key options and cost estimates for developing public transport infrastructure along the corridor. The Federal Government, in partnership with the State Government, will consider funding in the context of future budgets.
The Federal Government committed $250,000 to a feasibility study for the corridor in 2022, contingent upon receiving matching funds from the state.
Member for Northern Victoria Wendy Lovell and Member for Northern Metropolitan Region Evan Mulholland claimed the State Government had agreed to start the study after pressuring them in parliament.
“The government says the feasibility study will get under way shortly, but they have broken many promises recently, and this announcement cannot be an excuse to keep delaying the project,” Ms Lovell said.
“If Labor weren’t spending $216 billion on the Suburban Rail Loop in Melbourne’s east, projects like the Wollert Rail could be a reality for the fast-growing communities of Epping North and Wollert,” Mr Mulholland said.
A Victorian Government spokesperson said the State Government would keep striving for its fair share of infrastructure funding.
“After 10 years of neglect from previous federal Liberal National governments, we are glad to have a partner in Canberra with the Albanese Labor Government and we’ll continue to fight for our fair share of infrastructure funding,” they said.
Federal Member for Scullin Andrew Giles was pleased the study was now ‘moving ahead.’
“I’ve been fighting for better public transport for residents in Epping North and Wollert since I was first elected,” he said.
“The Wollert rail feasibility study … is moving ahead with this vital transport infrastructure for the Wollert and Epping North community.
“The biggest issue I’ve heard from residents in Epping North and Wollert is the need for better and more accessible public transport options. That’s why the Albanese Government is committed to undertaking the Wollert rail feasibility study.”
Federal Member for McEwen Rob Mitchell stated that the study had commenced last month, and is expected to be completed by early 2025.
Due to council caretaker provisions now in effect, the City of Whittlesea was unable to provide comment.
