MITCHELL Shire Council has had a major win in its quest to score a new train station in Beveridge, while also scoring in its quest to duplicate the Upfield Line further into the Shire.
This came after the release of Infrastructure Victoria’s 30-Year Infrastructure Strategy, in which recommendation 12 outlines how train infrastructure can be upgraded.
The recommendation outlines the “duplication of single-track sections of the Upfield line and upgrade power and signalling for more train services” and resolves to “build a new station at Beveridge on the Seymour line”.
A future option is also suggested to extend and electrify metropolitan trains to Clyde and to at least Kalkallo to improve access in new suburbs.
The report also highlighted the need for public transport, citing that Victorians may use the service less if there aren’t enough daily services to meet needs.
“Public transport, walking and cycling help ease traffic congestion and can sometimes be faster than driving. This is especially the case for inner city workers who catch public transport. But in some parts of Victoria people have few alternatives to driving. They also might be delayed by road repairs or construction of big transport projects,” it read.
“It can be hard for people to reach jobs in middle and outer suburbs, such as for people working in retail, hospitality, schools, hospitals and factories. People typically have fewer public transport services to reach these jobs. If people cannot or do not drive, some might struggle to get to work, services or education.
“Victorians might not make a trip at all if public transport has few services each day or if the fare is too high. Some people, including some women, young and older people, might not use public transport if they do not feel safe. Many Victorians can only use infrequent and indirect bus networks to get to jobs, services, education and recreation.”
After these projects were initially left out of the draft plan, the inclusion in the final report highlights a major win for Council, which has continued to lobby hard for a new station in Beveridge.
After outlining its policies to push for support ahead of next year’s state election at last month’s Council meeting, which included passionate discussion regarding the building of a train station in Beveridge, Mayor John Dougall said the recognition of these projects was a major win for Mitchell Shire and its residents.
“This is a really positive outcome for our community. The need for a train station at Beveridge and duplication of the Upfield Line has been central to our advocacy for years,” he said.
“Beveridge is one of the fastest growing areas in Victoria, and people moving here deserve access to reliable public transport. A local station will make a huge difference for families, workers and students who currently rely on driving to other suburbs just to catch a train.
“With the support of Infrastructure Victoria, we hope to see funding for this station committed at next year’s state election.
“The duplication of the Upfield Line will also help ease congestion, increase capacity and improve reliability across the northern corridor. Together, these projects will unlock better connections and create more opportunities for our region.”
Cr Dougall said the strategy showed that Infrastructure Victoria had listened to the needs of growing communities.
“We’re pleased to see Infrastructure Victoria recognise what our community has been saying – that growth areas need real investment in transport, health and education,” Cr Dougall said.
“This report highlights the need not only for better rail infrastructure, but also more buses, community facilities and planning for a future hospital in the outer north. These are the building blocks of a liveable, connected community.”
Mitchell Shire Council will continue to work with the Victorian Government to ensure these recommendations are translated into funded projects that deliver lasting benefits for residents.
