WHILE the green light has been given for the mega-suburb in Beveridge North West, a development that will eventually house around 47,000 residents in 15,000 homes, much of the growth hinges on a crucial freeway interchange that may not be operational until 2031.
Approved by the Victorian Government last week, the Beveridge North West Precinct Structure Plan includes four town centres, eight schools, nearly 80 hectares of parkland, and employment for up to 3000 people. The first stage will deliver about 2400 homes on 140 hectares.
Victorian Planning Minister Sonya Kilkenny said the project will help deliver more homes, more jobs and better services for one of Melbourne’s fastest-growing communities.
However, the bulk of the development can only proceed once the long-awaited Camerons Lane interchange is built on the Hume Freeway, providing direct access to the suburb and linking it to the Beveridge Intermodal Precinct.
In May 2024, the Federal Government committed $900 million to the interchange, calling it “a vital connection for residents and freight alike.” The Victorian Government has completed early planning, but with the project not expected to open until around 2031, many fear the community will be left waiting for key infrastructure.
Public transport is already strained. Beveridge has no train station and commuters must travel to either Wallan or Donnybrook to catch a train and rail upgrades, including reopening Beveridge Station, are still only on the drawing board.
Urban planning experts also point to other gaps—schools, health services and shops will need to be rolled out in step with housing growth to avoid creating under-serviced estates.
Adding to the challenge, the Hume Freeway has become notorious for its chronic traffic congestion due to rapid housing developments both to the south and north of Beveridge that have dramatically increased vehicle volumes on this stretch, turning what should be a smooth-flowing freeway into a frustrating “carpark” for daily commuters.
Peak hour gridlocks frequently extend for several kilometres, causing significant delays and adding to the stress and cost of travel for thousands of drivers.
As new housing continues to expand rapidly, the existing road infrastructure is struggling to keep pace with the surge in demand.
Residents and transport experts warn that unless substantial investments are made soon, particularly in key infrastructure like the Camerons Lane interchange and improved rail services, the freeway will remain gridlocked for years to come.
Adding to community unease is the State-approved quarry within the precinct, slated to operate until 2052. Residents have expressed concern about dust, noise, and its proximity to future housing, though the government insists it will be rehabilitated into public open space once closed.
Despite these challenges, Minister Kilkenny insists the project will transform the area.
“This is about building a complete community, with homes, jobs, and services all in one place,” she told one news outlet.
But with key road access years away, the boom may be built on a bottleneck.
