By BELINDA NOLAN
TRAMS would line Ballarat Road in the future under a radical new proposal to transform Brimbank’s public transport network.
Members of Brimbank Council’s Economic Development and Transport Committee have suggested a new tram network for the city, as one of several transport initiatives.
The plan would involve the extension of Maribyrnong’s tram line from Hampstead Rd into Brimbank, possibly along Ballarat Rd.
Paul Younis, Brimbank Council’s General Manager of Infrastructure and Environment, last week confirmed the idea of a new tram network had been discussed during the committee meeting but said no work had been done to determine the project’s feasibility.
Mr Younis said the issue would be considered when the council develops an integrated transport strategy for the city over the next financial year.
Delahey transport advocate David Anderson said the idea was worth considering due to a lack of transport options in the city.
Brimbank Transport Action Group spokesman Peter Thomson welcomed the proposal but said any plans would have to be properly considered.
“I can see that it could be a good thing but you’d have to be careful that it doesn’t make our traffic problems worse,” he said.
“Ballarat Road is already a car park during peak hours and I can see how adding trams could increase the problem tenfold.
“But the idea does sound good in theory.”
But a Department of Transport spokeswoman told Star existing public transport in Brimbank was adequate.
“The Department of Transport has no current plans to extend tram Route 82 along Ballarat Road into Brimbank.
“Brimbank is already served by a network of more than 25 local bus routes, and six train stations on the Sydenham line.”
