By Esther Lauaki
“Clogging up” already over-crowded train lines is not the way to improve train services west of Melbourne, according to Geelong council.
The council voted on Tuesday to unite with Wyndham council in calling for improved train services across the west.
It comes as the state and federal governments finalise plans for the multibillion-dollar airport rail link which is expected to pave the way for high-speed trains to Geelong.
Three proposals are being considered for the airport link, with the preferred option using existing railway lines between Melbourne CBD and Sunshine and the new $11 billion Metro Tunnel.
New track would be built between Tullamarine and Sunshine.
Geelong mayor Stephanie Asher said the councils want a rethink on the proposal.
Cr Asher said adding extra trains to over-crowded existing lines would derail any prospect of fast and frequent services to the western region.
“Fast and frequent rail services to Wyndham and Geelong have the potential to significantly impact the long-term liveability of our regions, opening up employment and education opportunities and allowing our residents to spend less time on the train,” she said.
“The [preferred] proposal for the Melbourne Airport Rail Link… would put extra trains onto already over-crowded tracks between the CBD and Sunshine.
“This would devastate the prospects of achieving desperately-needed faster and more frequent services to Melbourne’s west and regional Victoria.
“Our trains are already slow and overcrowded, and will only get worse without action.”
Wyndham mayor Josh Gilligan has been vocal in advocating for increased train services.
“It’s astonishing that instead of having more services added, we’re clogging up the tracks,” Cr Gilligan said.
“As our population continues to soar, we need other tiers of government to back us and deliver the infrastructure we need.”
The councils want already committed federal funding for the duplication of rail lines within Geelong to be brought forward and state funded upgrades in both municipalities.
Both councils are calling for:
• Two new electrified metropolitan rail lines through the western suburbs to Melton and Wyndham Vale, separate from the Geelong and Ballarat lines.
• Increased track capacity between Sunshine and Melbourne for faster and more frequent metro and regional trains.
• Electrification of the Geelong and Ballarat lines.
• Connection of the Wyndham Vale and Werribee lines.
• A clear timeline and funding for these works.
