An independent ‘citizens’ jury has strongly endorsed the electrification of the Ballarat railway line from Sunshine to Melton.
Infrastructure Victoria convened two citizens juries – one regional and one metropolitan – each made up of about 40 randomly selected people, who were asked to prioritise statewide projects and plans.
The electrification of the Ballarat line was tagged “high priority” by the jury, which met six times over a three-month period to consider evidence, hear from experts and deliberate on more than 200 projects and policies.
In a recent interim report, the jury stated this upgrade would “mitigate the effects of excessive urban sprawl”.
Other reasons why the electrification was flagged a priority were the improved capacity to Geelong, Bendigo and Ballarat railway lines, taking people off the roads to the city, making affordable housing choices available in regional towns with access to Melbourne, and cutting time and overcrowding for commuters.
Infrastructure Victoria estimates the electrification of line, including new tracks and the removal of three level crossings between Sunshine and Melton, would cost between $1billion and $5billion.
The report came just as the state government announced construction on duplicating the line had been brought forward to coincide with building the new Caroline Springs station.
The first section of the duplication, a one-kilometre section between Christies Road and the new station, will be ready early next year, while duplication of the remaining 16kilometres will start next year.
National Growth Areas Alliance executive Ruth Spielman said while she is pleased the electrification of the Ballarat line was identified as a priority project, a dedicated national fund for outer suburbs was needed.
Public Transport Minister Jacinta Allan said the state government looks forward to receiving Infrastructure Victoria’s final report at the end of the year.
“Duplication to Melton will reduce delays, create space to run more trains and pave the way for the electrification of the line in the future,” she said.
how best to address the state’s transport
“Whilst Infrastructure Victoria is looking at long term options, the Labor government is getting on with the projects that Victoria needs,” Ms Allan said
