Barton supports duplication of Lilydale Rail Line

The community across the Yarra Valley desperately require a duplication of the line between Mooroolbark Train Station and Lilydale.

Currently, services and performance are falling below community expectations. In the morning peak, passengers wait up to 34 minutes between outbound services at Lilydale Station. This deters users who could be using the train for work or study.

Barton believes this project is urgently required, given that the Lilydale population is expected to double in coming decades, with the development of the Kinley Estate which is expected to house almost 8000 residents.

Residents have reported that Lilydale bound trains are often forced to terminate at Mooroolbark, leaving them relying on replacement bus services and delays for those waiting at Lilydale station. Clearly, frequency and reliability pose a challenge to passengers.

In 2021, the Government removed the level crossings at both Mooroolbark and Lilydale stations. But more must be done.

Barton proposes duplicating the line between Lilydale and Mooroolbark and building a new train station at the Kinley Estate. The Parliamentary Budget Office has completed a costing of this policy, estimating the total project costs to amount to $211 million from the commencement of works in 2023-24 to completion in 2028-29.

The Government has acknowledged that the Kinley Estate will add pressure to the transport system and road network.[1] So, Barton is asking the Government to be proactive and plan for the future.

Quotes attributable to Member for Eastern Metropolitan and the Leader of the Transport Matters Party Rod Barton MP:

"The Mooroolbark and Lilydale train is already at capacity during peak periods. With the population expected to rise significantly, it makes sense to remove this bottleneck now."

"Duplicating the track will improve connectivity and accessibility throughout the Lilydale and the Yarra Ranges. Those living in Melbourne's outer suburbs deserve to be better connected."