Transport Advocacy

The western suburbs of Melbourne is one of the fastest growing regions in Australia with an expected population of 1.5 million people by 2051. We need to act now to build the infrastructure needed to keep our growing population moving. 

WEST East Metro Rail Link

A new rail plan to transform Melbourne’s public transport system from West to East

Hobsons Bay City Council is supporting a new rail proposal that will meet the needs of Melbourne’s western metropolitan communities.

The East West Metro Rail Link (EWMR) or the WEST East Metro Rail Plan as we are calling it – was devised by independent rail advocacy group, Rail Futures Institute, and features a series of above and underground rail tunnels linking the west to the east of Melbourne. Key features include:

• Connects the west to the Melbourne CBD through a tunnel under the Yarra River, providing direct access to Flagstaff and Southern Cross stations, and new stations at Fisherman’s Bend, and the university, hospital and research precinct at Parkville
• New underground station at Spotswood that connects to the existing rail network
• Splits into two separate lines at Spotswood – one to Werribee and Wyndham Vale, and the other to Sunshine, Deer Park and Melton
• Spotswood to Sunshine connections allow people from places such as Williamstown and Werribee to travel by rail to Tullamarine Airport without having to go into the CBD
• Reinstatement of the old Paisley station in Altona North
• New station at South Kingsville that would service the 8,000 residents in the new Precinct 15 residential area, as well as the rest of the South Kingsville community
• Connects Hobsons Bay’s tourist attractions, such as Grazeland, Scienceworks and our local beaches directly to the growing population in Wyndham, Melton and Brimbank

Importantly, the EWMR combines the best features of the Victorian Government’s Western Rail Plan with Stage 1 of Melbourne Metro 2 which Council has long called for action on. 

For more information, visit the Rail Futures Institute website.

Take action - visit: WEST East Metro Rail Plan

 

 

 

Queen Street Bridge

Council is working closely with the Victorian Department of Transport to progress the design for a new pedestrian and cycling bridge across Laverton Creek at Queen Street, Altona. At present, pedestrians and cyclists travelling along Queen Street risk their safety crossing the existing bridge, which is used by more than 19,000 vehicles each day. The detailed design work for the bridge has already been done and Council continues to advocate for state government funding to construct the bridge to ensure the safety of the Hobsons Bay community. 

Point Cook Road & Central Ave intersection 

Council is calling on the state government to improve safety, connectivity and the overall operation of the Point Cook Road and Central Avenue intersection in Altona Meadows, which is a critical part of our local road network. During peak times, this intersection becomes congested, leading to lond delays for road users and decreased safety, particularly for cyclists and pedestrians. 

Election commitment update:

Council has welcomed a commitment from the Victorian Labor government to invest $79 million towards upgrading this intersection. The proposed upgrade would address safety issues and congestion by introducing traffic lights and widening Central Avenue to Skehan Boulevard. Read the full media release

Shared trails and cycling infrastructure 

Council is seeking state government funding for Hobsons Bay's top 10 shared trail and cycling projects. The top 10 projects have been identified to deliver critical missing links across all of Hobsons Bay. This promotes increased cycling uptake, reduced vehicle commuter trips, improved health and wellbeing outcomes, and the provision of greater connections for the community to enjoy.  

Our key shared trail and cycling projects include: 

 

Corridor name	Suburb	Estimated cost	Status
Kororoit Creek Trail	Altona/Altona North	$7,500,000	Unfunded
Maher Road	Laverton	$1,100,000	Funded - Construction commencing 22/23
Champion Road	Williamstown North	$3,400,000	Funded - Construction commencing 22/23
Hall Street	Newport/Spotswood	$3,500,000	Unfunded
Craig Street/McLister/Birmingham/   Brunel Streets	Spotswood	$3,300,000	Unfunded
Railway Avenue	Laverton	$3,300,000	Unfunded
Ross Road	Altona North	$3,200,000	Unfunded
Grieve Parade	Altona	$500,000	Unfunded
Richards Court/Irwin Avenue/Glade Avenue	Brooklyn/Altona North	$800,000	Unfunded

 

Western transport infrastructure improvements, Laverton

Council is seeking state government support for improvements to freeway infrastructure including the entry and exit ramps at Newland Street, Altona Meadows and High Street, Laverton.

Traffic congestion in the west

Council continues to push for the state government to fund and deliver improvements in the transport network related to the West Gate Tunnel Project. Major roads where we seek improvements include Millers Road, Grieve Parade, Blackshaws Road and Geelong Road.