Better Transport for Hobsons Bay

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

Council is supporting a new rail plan to transform Melbourne’s public transport system from West to East, meeting the needs of 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.

 

Queen Street Pedestrian and Cycling Bridge

What: We are 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.
Why: 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 Ask: The detailed design work for the bridge has already been done and we continue to advocate for state government funding to construct the bridge to ensure the safety of the Hobsons Bay community.

2024 Update

In May 2024, the State Government announced the funding of a new shared user path over Laverton Creek on Queen Street in Altona in the 2024/25 State Budget.

Point Cook Road & Central Avenue intersection 

What: We are 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.
Why: During peak times, this intersection becomes congested, leading to lond delays for road users and decreased safety, particularly for cyclists and pedestrians. 

2024 Update

We have 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 

What: We are 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.
Why: 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.  
The Ask: Government funding contribution towards the following key shared trail and cycling projects.

• Kororoit Creek Trail (Stages 4 & 5). Total project cost: $12,100,000 (currently unfunded). More information below.
• Maher Road, Laverton. Total project cost: $1,100,000 (funded with construction commencing 22/23).
• Champion Road, Williamstown North. Total project cost: $3,400,00 (funded with construction commencing 22/23).
• Hall Street, Newport/Spotswood. Total project cost: $3,400,000 (currently unfunded).
• Craig Street/McLister Street/Birmingham Street/Brunel Street, Spotswood. Total project cost: $3,300,000 (currently unfunded).
• Railway Avenue, Laverton. Total project cost: $3,300,000 (currently unfunded).
• Ross Road, Altona North. Total project cost: $3,200,000 (currently unfunded).
• Grieve Parade, Altona. Total project cost: $5000 (currently unfunded).
• Richards Court/Irwin Avenue/Glade Avenue, Brooklyn/Altona. Total project cost: $8000 (currently unfunded).

Kororoit Creek Trail (Stages 4 & 5)

In the heart of Hobsons Bay is the Kororoit Creek Trail, a popular cycling and walking corridor away from busy roads. The trail currently follows the winding Kororoit Creek from Deer Park to Altona. We are undertaking the planning to complete the trail, building a 2.5km shared user path to connect cyclists and pedestrians from Barnes Road to Cherry Lake in Altona North. The completed trail will connect to the Federation and Coastal trails and beyond. It would be a win for commuters, cyclists and walkers.

Werribee Line Level Crossing Removals Program

The Victorian Government is making the Werribee Line level crossing-free and building a new Spotswood Station.

The following crossings will be removed:

• Hudsons Road, Spotswood
• Maddox Road, Newport
• Maidstone Street, Altona
• Champion Road, Newport

For more information, visit: https://bigbuild.vic.gov.au/projects/level-crossing-removal-project/projects/werribee or call 1800 105 105. 

To keep up to date on our advocacy in relation to the Werribee Line Level Crossing Removals, visit: Level Crossing Removal Project - Hobsons Bay

Western transport infrastructure improvements, Laverton

We are 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

We continue 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.