By Belinda Nolan
Public Transport Minister Martin Pakula and Kororoit MP Marlene Kairouz turned the first sod at the new station on Tuesday, officially signalling the start of works at the site.
The new station is part of $220 million worth of funding to build stations in Melbourne’s growth areas and will cater for the suburb’s booming population, which is expected to rise to around 25,000 people over the next decade.
Due to open in two years, the V/Line station will be located on the Melton line, between the Rockbank and Deer Park stations near Christies Rd, around one kilometre south of the Caroline Springs estate.
Initial works at the site will include excavations by the Department of Transport to create access to the station from the Christies Rd roundabout.
The state-of-the-art station is set to include closed circuit video surveillance, electronic timetable and information displays, bus stops, taxi rank and bicycle facilities.
The State Government has so far received more than 200 entries for a competition to name the new station but has yet to announce a winner.
Mr Pakula said the government decided to build the new station to ensure residents in the West had better access to public transport.
“The station, due to open in 2012, will serve current and future public transport needs and help people access jobs, study and also stay connected with family and friends,”Mr Pakula said.
Ms Kairouz said the station would be designed to be safe and comfortable for commuters.
