By Kerri-Anne Mesner
CALLS for a new railway station and rail line to service Caroline Springs have intensified following the State Government’s decision to hasten urban growth in Melton.
The issue has become a priority for both Brimbank City Council and Melton Shire Council, who raised the issue with Premier John Brumby at a regional council forum last Thursday.
The push by both councils has gained the support of Member for Kororoit Andre Haermeyer who says new rail infrastructure needs to be in place before people move to new developments.
The State Government announced last week that it would establish a new Urban Growth Zone (UGZ), which was designed to fast-track the rezoning of land for homes in growth areas across Melbourne.
Melton Shire Council’s planning and development general manager Luke Shannon said Melton was one of five nominated growth areas around the perimeter of Melbourne.
“Following the outcome of the Smart Growth Committee review in recent years, the State Government included a further 2100 hectares of land within the urban growth boundary for future growth of the Melton Shire over the next 20-25 years,” Mr Shannon said.
“Council is currently undertaking precinct structure plans for the three growth areas within the shire. The main growth area being Toolern which is approximately 1800 hectares in size, with two smaller areas being north Melton and Taylors Hill West.”
Mr Haermeyer said there was already a need for the Caroline Springs railway station and an electrified line through to Melton without the fast-tracking land release.
He said the State Government’s announcement meant the case for the train services had a higher priority and strengthened the stakeholders’ case with the Department of Infrastructure (DoI).
