An integrated public transport interchange in Footscray has been put back on the agenda after a motion calling for one received unanimous support at a meeting of Maribyrnong council last week.
The motion moved by Greens councillor Elena Pereyra at the May 20 meeting, called on the state government to urgently prioritise and commit funding towards the project, arguing that as the gateway to Melbourne’s west, a public transport interchange in Footscray was long overdue.
In her motion, Cr Pereyra said the continued lack of a co-ordinated interchange between train, tram and business services made Footscray less accessible and more congested, with knock-on effects for public transport connectivity across Melbourne’s west.
She also highlighted the soon to be completed new Footscray Hospital and the Footscray Learning Precinct near Victoria University as areas that could suffer if an interchange wasn’t built, arguing that the issue went well beyond just transporting commuters.
“Investment in Footscray’s public transport interchange is not just about mobility, it’s about creating economic opportunity, safer and more vibrant public spaces, and inclusive access to employment, education, and civic and cultural life,” Cr Pereyra said.
Footscray station is the busiest outside the Melbourne CBD and also the second busiest for bus movements, with the 82 tram running to Moonee Ponds originating in nearby Droop Street too.
However, Cr Pereya said the high patronage in the area just served to highlight the lack of an interchange.
“While thousands of people pass through Footscray each day, the lack of an integrated interchange means many commuters don’t linger, shop, or engage in the local economy.
“Pedestrian movement is fragmented, and connections between modes (train, bus, cycling, walking) are disjointed and poorly signposted.
“There’s limited shelter, poor accessibility, and minimal activation of public space.”
Deputy mayor Bernadette Thomas seconded the motion, noting that an interchange for Footscray had been talked about for a long time.
“It’s the public transport gateway to our city, but it isn’t very inviting,” said Cr Thomas of the area around Footscray station.
The motion committed Maribyrnong council to write to the state and federal transport ministers as well as state and federal local members to lobby for the project.
