Cade Lucas
The state government has denied reports it has axed proposed rail lines to Wyndham Vale and Melton, which would have enabled the extension of the metropolitan train network through Deer Park, Ardeer, and Caroline Springs.
Reports earlier this week claimed internal government documents released through freedom of information showed the Western Rail Plan, which involved new electrified train lines to Wyndham Vale and Melton, had been shelved.
Speaking outside parliament on Wednesday, Deputy Premier Jacinta Allan said the reports were wrong.
“Lets be clear, those reports and that characterisation are incorrect, ” Ms Allan said.
“Those documents that are referred to are internal working documents and do not reflect any government decision.”
Ms Allan touted existing projects such as the Metro Tunnel, level crossing removals and track duplications as already benefitting commuters in the west.
When asked if lines to Wyndham Vale and Melton, which are currently serviced by V/Line, would be electrified, she said it was important to complete projects in sequence.
“Each investment has to build on the one that comes before it and that’s what we’ve said all the way along.”
Brimbank mayor Bruce Lancashire said whilst there has been no direct communication regarding any change to the rail plan, council is looking forward to working with the state government to better understand what changes, if any, are proposed.
“… We strongly believe that much needed projects for Melbourne’s west, such as the Melbourne Airport Rail and the Western Rail Plan, should be prioritised ahead of the Suburban Rail Loop which will cost potentially over $100 billion, take decades longer to build, and service the wealthier areas in Melbourne’s east that are already well connected by public transport,” he said.
In 2019, Brimbank council adopted the ‘Western Rail Plan, including Melbourne Airport Rail Link and Sunshine Super Hub’ response strategy which listed the Western Rail Plan as a key infrastructure project that would also facilitate the Melbourne Airport Rail Link and associated Sunshine Super Hub.
Speculation about the Western Rail Plan’s future intensified following the state budget, when no money was allocated for Geelong Fast Rail, a project the government repeatedly said needed to be built first.
A government spokesman said Geelong Fast Rail was subject to the federal government’s infrastructure review.
