Tom Ingleton
Extending routes to make it possible to catch a tram to Melbourne Airport or along Sydney Road to Campbellfield should considered by a priority by the state’s peak infrastructure body, according to Hume council.
In its submission to Infrastructure Victoria’s draft 2025-2055 strategy, council gave its support to Infrastructure Victoria’s recommendation to extend Melbourne’s tram routes.
Council has suggested the route 59 tram to Airport West be extended to Melbourne Airport and for route 1 tram to extend from North Coburg, along Sydney Road to Campbellfield.
Councillor Naim Kurt said both routes have been proposed since the 1960s.
With the $475 million Elite Park development underway at Melbourne Airport, he said the time to act is now.
Cr Kurt said extending tram routes had been a long-term goal of the council, particularly route 59, which has been a focus since the early 2000s.
“Now we have the URBNSURF development– a half-billion-dollar project– and the jobs we will be providing, I think it’s important for us to put tram route agendas back on the table,” Cr Kurt said.
“If we can get support for it, it’s something that could potentially continue along Mickleham Road and further up as well.
It could be the same for the Sydney Road tram extension too.
“It’s really important that we include every ask in this [submission] that we can do which matters to our community – we know not everything will land, but it’s important.”
Cr Karen Sherry said extending the tram routes would bring forgotten but vital transport modes back into the conversation.
“The tram has served the inner city and Melbourne’s population for many years,” Cr Sherry said.
“I think this is a great amendment and I look forward to more discussion on this.”
Cr Ally Watson echoed the sentiment.
“I grew up in an area only serviced by buses,” Cr Watson said.
“Eventually the tram was extended and it had a really positive impact, especially for school kids. Trams are iconic to Melbourne – they should be a part of the iconic part of Hume.”
Council’s submission also supported a number of Infrastructure Victoria’s recommendations, including the need for more social housing in Victoria – with council asking for a full redevelopment of Broadmeadows’ Banksia Gardens estate – as well as its recommendations for the state government to invest more in kindergarten infrastructure, libraries and aquatic centres, and develop better bus services.
