Geelong residents are set to receive a brand new train station with Premier Denis Napthine announcing funding to begin construction on the $25.9 million Grovedale station.
Visiting the Grovedale site with Minister for Public Transport Terry Mulder, Dr Napthine said the upcoming State Budget would include $16.5 million for construction works on the new station.
“This project was a key election commitment from the Victorian Coalition Government to manage the growth in this region and the increasing patronage on Geelong train services,” Dr Napthine said.
“We have previously provided $9.4 million for planning and to purchase the land for the station, now we are getting on with the job of building this important piece of infrastructure and delivering better services for the region.
“With the patronage on the Geelong train line increasing by more than 100 per cent since 2005/06 this new railway station will help meet the increasing demand for public transport now and into the future.
“It will also be of enormous benefit to residents in the Armstrong Creek area which is growing rapidly due to the fantastic lifestyle on offer in the region.
“The Grovedale and Armstrong Creek areas to the south of Geelong are becoming increasingly popular due their proximity to Deakin University, the surf coast and some of the state’s best gourmet food producers and wineries.
“This investment will provide a much needed public transport option and reduce travel time and cost for local residents by extending V/Line services beyond Marshall station. It will also benefit the large numbers of tourists who visit the region,” Dr Napthine said.
The new Grovedale station will include a single platform with passenger amenities, on road bus bays, bicycle storage and parking for 200 cars.
The station will see seven services to Melbourne in the morning peak and about 25 return services through the day.
Work on the new station is due to commence in early 2014.
