A decade of tireless campaigning has paid off for a small group of South Morang and Mernda Rail Alliance volunteers following the state government decision to fast-track the rail extension from South Morang to Mernda.
When Premier Denis Napthine announced the Coalition’s $815 million transport package last Tuesday, alliance spokesman Darren Peters tasted victory for the second time since his battle for “rail to Mernda” began in 2005.
It follows the alliance’s successful campaign for a station in South Morang, which opened in 2012.
And it seems trains will run to Mernda regardless of the outcome of next month’s state election, as the state government’s $700 million rail commitment follows similar promises by Labor and the Greens last month.
“I can’t believe it,” Mr Peters said. “I think everyone in the surrounding suburbs is joyous. We’ve secured $1.4 billion of infrastructure for our community and that’s something we can be proud of.”
While campaigners were celebrating, Yan Yean Labor MP Danielle Green cited the electorate’s narrow margin as an explanation for Dr Napthine’s interest in local affairs.
“This is desperate Denis at his worst trying to save his political skin,” she said. “He’s been deaf and blind to this electorate for years.”
Either way, the narrow margin in the seat of Yan Yean is reaping rewards for the electorate.
The state government’s Northern Suburbs Transport Package includes a 7.5-kilometre double-track extension with new stations at Hawkstowe Parade in South Morang and Bridge Inn Road, Mernda – and provision for a third.
Yan Yean Road will be duplicated at a cost of $95 million; $20 million will provide weekday trains every 10 minutes on the South Morang line; and extra car parking will be created at Wallan station for $1.3 million.
The Premier also announced new train- stabling facilities at Mernda, an upgraded station at Mernda with 200 free car spaces, a four-bay bus interchange at Mernda and bicycle cages at South Morang and Mernda.
If all goes to plan, the duplication of Yan Yean Road will start in 2016 and trains will run to Mernda before 2021.
