THE Federal Coalition funding commitment for the Upfield rail extension is part of the Mitchell Shire Council’s (MSC) continued advocation for bipartisan funding to ensure that the project can go ahead.
That’s according to MSC Mayor Councillor John Dougall, who says it is a project of high priority for the council to get it done.
“Council continues to advocate for a bipartisan commitment to this project to ensure that regardless of the election outcome, the much-needed rail upgrades can proceed,” he said.
“The Federal Government has also made a $7.05 million commitment for a business case to uplift services on the Craigieburn, Upfield and Northern Growth Corridor, exploring the full range of infrastructure upgrades required to respond to growth.
“The $2 million funding commitment from the Federal Coalition is designated for a comprehensive scoping study that will outline the project objectives, feasibility, and next steps.
“As this is an election commitment, the timeline for delivering a preliminary agreement or further project milestones would depend on the Coalition forming government and subsequently progressing the funding allocation,” Cr Dougall added.
Mitchell Shire Council is working with the Northern Councils Alliance (NCA) to secure additional funding to advance the next stages of the project, including detailed design and construction planning.
“MSC and the NCA remain committed to ensuring that planning work moves forward efficiently to secure further investment in the Upfield rail extension,” Cr Dougall said.
“Council and the NCA have been actively engaging with all levels of government to advocate for much-needed investment in transport infrastructure across Melbourne’s north.
The ‘Connect Melbourne’s North’ campaign, launched by the NCA in 2024, highlighted the importance of duplicating and extending the Upfield line to meet the needs of the rapidly growing northern region.
Infrastructure upgrades that will be assessed include track modifications, electrification, signalling and power upgrades, level crossing removals, additional stabling and potential new stations such as Cloverton/Lockerbie, Beveridge and Summer Hill Road.
According to Cr Dougall, the MSC has earmarked a number of benefits through the rail extension, which includes increased transport capacity, reduced road congestion, increased access to employment, education and health services, support for rapid population growth, and environmental and sustainability benefits.
News of funding for the Upfield rail extension comes at a time when the Seymour and Shepparton lines have missed out on additional V-Line services.
