Coalition announces $815 million Growing Northern Suburbs Transport Package Extending the South Morang railway line to Mernda and a $95 million duplication of Yan Yean Road are the centrepiece of your Napthine Governments massive boost to transport in Melbournes growing northern suburbs. Today I was delighted to join Premier Denis Napthine, my parliamentary colleagues Minister for Public Transport and Roads Terry Mulder MP and Amanda Millar MP, Liberal Candidate for Yan Yean Sam Ozturk, City of Whittlesea Mayor Mary Lalios, Cr Ricky Kirkham, and Darren Peters from South Morang and Mernda Rail Alliance, to announce that a re-elected Coalition Government would implement the Northern Suburbs Transport Package to rectify a decade of Labor neglect and broken promises. Growth in Melbournes northern suburbs began accelerating a decade ago. Unfortunately, Labor made multiple broken promises that resulted in worsening public transport and road congestion, Dr Napthine said. Over the last three-and-a-half years, we have improved punctuality and reliability on public transport, and introduced 10,000 additional services each and every week. We have stabilised the basics and now, through strong financial management, we are in a position to build the infrastructure that the outer suburbs have been crying out for. This is a comprehensive transport package that will deliver benefits for rail commuters on the South Morang line within twelve months and make substantial investments in new and better rail and road links to move more people more often. The 7.5 kilometre double track rail extension to Mernda will include two new stations and provisions for a third, as well as new stabling and maintenance facilities that will create jobs in the region. We will also invest $95 million to duplicate 3.9 kilometres of Yan Yean Road because we recognise that the only way to properly address transport needs is to have an integrated approach focusing on road investments that complement public transport projects. Building these critical projects will cater for the growth of this rapidly growing part of Melbourne and create hundreds of construction jobs. Dr Napthine said the Northern Suburbs Transport Package included: • a 7.5 kilometre double track extension to Mernda; • new train stabling facilities for four six car suburban train sets at Mernda; • a new station at Mernda with 200 free commuter carparks; • a four bay bus interchange at Mernda; • a new station at South Morang with 200 free commuter carparks; • Parkiteer bicycle cages at both stations; • four grade separations (no new level crossings); • $1.3 million to boost Wallan stations carparks by 120 to more than 300; • $100,000 to install secure bike cages at Wallan station; • $95 million duplication of Yan Yean Road to start in 2016; • removing low speed road curves between Sutherland Ave and Howell Road; • new on road bike lanes and new median openings to allow for U-turns; and • $500,000 for planning for the Edgars Road extension, funded in the 2014-15 State Budget, to link Edgars Road to OHerns Road. Minister for Public Transport and Roads Terry Mulder said a re-elected Coalition Government would also double the frequency of off-peak services on the South Morang line. From October 2015, the wait between services on the South Morang line will halve from 20 minute intervals to 10 minute intervals on weekdays between 9am to 4pm under a re-elected Coalition Government, as a result of the introduction of 40 extra train trips per week, Mr Mulder said. Once again, Labor has only delivered flimsy, half-hearted attempts at transport policy for Melbournes North. Labor has costed Mernda Rail at $400 million to $600 million. It will actually cost $700 million. Danielle Green should tell the truth and explain what sort of half-rate service Labors cheap and nasty pledge will deliver, Mr Mulder said. Liberal candidate for Yan Yean Sam Ozturk said upgrading Yan Yean Road would benefit local residents, businesses and commuters. This is a comprehensive transport package that will make a real difference to local families, Mr Ozturk said. This will have an enormous impact in terms of reducing congestion and providing people with better access to the city and surrounding areas. With the Coalition Governments public transport fare reductions that cap zone 1+2 fares at zone 1 rates, this announcement is a huge win for local residents, Mr Ozturk said. As a local resident and as the local member, I am extremely proud of my community for your tireless efforts. This is a great day. I thank the Premier and the Transport Minister for standing up for the people in the North.
Posted on: Tue, 21 Oct 2014 02:10:08 +0000
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