UPDATE: A re-elected Coalition government would extend the South Morang train line to Mernda and duplicate Yan Yean Road, Premier Dennis Napthine announced in Mernda on Tuesday morning.
The state government’s $815 million transport package includes a 7.5-kilometre double track extension with two new stations at Hawkstowe Parade, South Morang, and Bridge Inn Road, Mernda, and provisions for a third.
The rail extension is forecast to be completed by 2021, costing $700 million.
Yan Yean road will be duplicated at a cost of $95 million, $20 million will be spent on providing weekday trains on the South Morang line every 10 minutes, and extra car parking will be created at Wallan railway station, costing $1.3 million.
Labor in late September pledged the extension of the rail line to Mernda, costing between $400 million and $600 million.
Dr Napthine’s promise to build desperately needed public transport infrastructure in Melbourne’s northern suburbs may throw a lifeline to the Coalition’s chances of winning the marginal seat of Yan Yean, currently held by Labor’s Danielle Green.
The Premier said the government’s Northern Suburbs Transport Package would deliver results for rail commuters on the South Morang train line within 12 months.
“The 7.5-kilometre double track expansion to Mernda will include two new stations … plus new stabilising and maintenance facilities that will create jobs in the region,” he said.
“We will also invest $95 million to duplicate 3.9 kilometres of Yan Yea Road because we recognise that the only way to properly address transport needs is to have an integrated approach focusing on road investments that complement public transport projects.”
Ms Green labelled the government’s plan “desperate” and an attempt by the Premier to “save his political skin”.
“The Coalition has been deaf and blind to the electorates suffering for four years,” she said.
“This election will come down to trust. Who will voters choose, someone who has fought tooth and nail for them for almost four years, or a Liberal Party career politician who lives with his parents in Bundoora.”
