Seven councils in Melbourne’s north have banded together to launch a campaign calling for critical improvements to transport in Melbourne’s north, including improved bus and train services.
The call-out comes in response to severe traffic congestion, long trips to the nearest hospital, challenges in accessing jobs and education, and increasing social isolation impacting the lives of thousands of residents.
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The Northern Councils Alliance, comprising the municipalities of Banyule, Darebin, Hume, Merri-bek, Mitchell Shire, Nillumbik and Whittlesea, this week launched its new transport advocacy campaign: Connect Melbourne’s North: It’s time to transform our transport.
The campaigns first point of action was to call for Federal and State governments to duplicate and extend the Upfield rail line.
Currently the train line terminates at Upfield, far short of the growing community, and the single train line between Gowrie and Upfield station results in one of least frequent services in the network, every 15 to 20 minutes in peak. Frequent delays also add to the frustration of communities in the area.
This adds to the current regional priorities of revised bus networks, better active transport infrastructure, support for electric vehicle transition and other large rail upgrades.
Melbourne’s north is home to one million people or 20 per cent of the population of Greater Melbourne, with a growth rate of 2.8 per cent.
The Alliance says that the population growth has not been matched with the necessary investment in transport.
“Our transport system is not supporting the current population and there is no plan for the future population,” the announcement read.
“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.”
The NCA has commissioned comprehensive research reports on the region’s transport needs and is now working with other regional stakeholders to advocate for the reports’ recommendations. But strong engagement and financial and policy support from state and federal governments are needed to achieve those transport goals.
Nillumbik Mayor Ben Ramcharan says funding for increased bus services and improved connectivity between townships is essential.
“High-quality active transport options will provide desirable, safe and accessible transport and recreation opportunities for our residents and visitors,” he says.
“Together with the provision of integrated bus routes, this will significantly lift the number of transport options available and improve the health and wellbeing of our community, especially our people who live in rural communities.”
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