By Laura Michell
Broadmeadows train station should be upgraded and the Bulla bypass built by 2024, according to a new report by northern suburbs councils.
The Northern Councils Alliance, with support from business group North Link, has released its Building Communities, Connecting People : Northern Horizons 2020 report, which outlines the infrastructure needed across the north to keep pace with population growth.
According to the report, the population of the northern suburbs is expected to reach 1.5 million people by 2036 – an increase of 500,000 people.
It said there had been inadequate state and federal government investment in Melbourne’s north since 2014-15.
“The size of Melbourne’s north and its rate of population growth imply a large and rapidly growing requirement for new/upgraded infrastructure and services, from the fast-growing fringe areas to the densifying suburbs,” the report stated.
“Adequate state and federal government support will also assist the region to make its transition from a traditional manufacturing base to one characterised by advanced manufacturing, the knowledge economy and services.”
The report lists several infrastructure projects which will require funding by 2024, including the upgrade to Broadmeadows train station, the Bulla bypass, the business case and environmental studies for the Outer Metropolitan Ring Road and E6 freeway and upgraded car parking at train stations.
Construction of the Outer Metropolitan Ring Road and E6, the extension of rail services to Wollert, and the creation of an Upfield to Somerton rail link will be required by 2032, the report stated.
Hume councillor, Jana Taylor said the Northern Horizons reports “reinforced” the need for more funding for the north.
From the outset, [the report]…reinforces the need for state and federal government representatives to stand up and stand together to deliver the key infrastructure priorities,” she said.
“And I know that until all of these projects get off the ground, Hume City Council will continue to advocate on behalf of the community to get them delivered. The community can count on this.”
