Advocacy win for the NCA

Commitments by the Federal Government and Coalition for Upfield Line improvements

NCA advocacy for the duplication, extension and electrification of the Upfield Line to Wallan has resulted in both parties prioritising funding for this important project.

At the NCA, we welcome the recent announcement of the Federal Government’s investment of $7.05 million to develop a comprehensive business case for the much-needed uplift of services in the Northern Growth Corridor, including on the Upfield and Craigieburn rail lines. This is following a commitment by the Federal Coalition of $2 million towards a scoping report to plan for the duplication, electrification and extension of the Upfield Line to Wallan.

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We have been calling for key rail investments to resolve the critical constraints on train services in our region. The Upfield Line, which services people in Merri-bek and southern Hume, has one of the least frequent peak period services in Melbourne’s rail network and is plagued by delays and cancellations.

Further north, many residents in our growth communities of Mitchell, Whittlesea and Hume are currently only serviced by diesel V/Line services, which are nearing capacity earlier than predicted. There is currently no provision of services to the future city of Cloverton.

Last year, we launched a new NCA transport campaign Connect Melbourne’s North to raise awareness of the need for increased investment in transport across Melbourne’s north.

“These announcements are a wonderful recognition of many years of advocacy by the NCA, member Councils and the broader community,” said Cr Helen Davidson, Mayor of Merri-bek and Chair of the NCA.

“Investment is urgently needed to provide more trains more often. This will allow a better experience for our community and enable our residents to access education, health, jobs and social connections.”

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