By Matthew Sims
Hobsons Bay council has endorsed an independent transport organisation’s recommendation for the state government to rethink current rail projects, such as the Suburban Rail Loop in favour of a new railway which would connect the western suburbs.
The Rail Futures Institute released a statement on Wednesday, July 13, which put forward the Melbourne East-West Rail proposal, which would combine the first stage of MM2 with the Western Rail Plan.
The proposed rail system would provide access points between the CBD, Spotswood and Melton, as well as a connection to Wyndham Vale.
Hobsons Bay mayor Peter Hemphill said Hobsons Bay would continue to push for the state government to bring forward funding and planning for the MM2 project.
“MM2 would provide a critical link from our rapidly growing western suburbs to employment centres in the Melbourne CBD, Parkville and Fishermans Bend, improving access to jobs and services and enhancing local liveability,“ he said.
“It would make it easier for peak hour commuters to get on trains at Newport, as well as improve the services through the Altona Loop by enabling track duplication.“
Cr Hemphill said council has been advocating for an additional connection from Newport to Sunshine, as well as a train station in Altona North to cater for growing population and employment opportunities.
“This additional connection would service an area that currently has limited public transport, while also providing another connection to the Airport Rail Link,“ he said.
“As far as Hobsons Bay is concerned, MM2 should be the next train out of the station.”
A state government spokesperson said the planned Metro Tunnel, Suburban Rail Loop and Western Rail Plan developments were continuing and satisfied the aims of the proposal.
“The government’s current solutions provide the benefits that this plan purports to achieve and it is happening right now,“ the spokesperson said.
