Cloverton, a new city centre planned where Hume, Mitchell and Whittlesea meet, is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to transform Melbourne's north - and three councils want the hospital and rail line it needs locked in before it's built.
Around 380,000 people are expected to live in Cloverton's regional catchment, and the 52-hectare centre is planned to become the region's main hub for jobs, health care, education, transport and government services.
Done well, it could mean families can reach a hospital, a train, further study or a job without leaving the region. But the major infrastructure it needs is yet to be committed.
Ahead of the Victorian State Election on Saturday 28 November, Hume City Council, Mitchell Shire Council and the City of Whittlesea have called on all parties and candidates to secure land for a new major public hospital and extend the Upfield rail line to Wallan.
Councillors from the three councils met in Broadmeadows on Wednesday 7 October to reaffirm their shared commitment to shaping Cloverton. It was their second joint meeting, following the first in October 2023, which formally endorsed their Regional Partnership.
The suburbs around Cloverton are already growing, but the centre itself is still largely undeveloped. That gives all levels of government a rare chance to plan the infrastructure first, rather than retrofit it later.
The councils are asking all parties and candidates to commit to:
- securing a site and starting planning for a new major public hospital in Melbourne's outer north
- planning and delivering the Upfield rail line extension to Wallan, including duplication, electrification and a future station serving Cloverton
- supporting the broader infrastructure the region needs, including schools, tertiary education, roads, emergency services, and sport, recreation and community facilities
- recognising Cloverton as a project of state significance and appointing a senior Victorian Government lead to coordinate planning across departments.
The councils have formed a project partnership with Stockland and the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation. The partnership has secured funding through the Australian Government Urban Precincts and Partnerships Program. That funding is supporting an Urban Design Framework and a Regional Needs Assessment, which will identify the infrastructure and services the region needs and when.
Rail, hospitals, schools and emergency services are State responsibilities. The councils say that early State involvement is the missing piece in making sure planning for Cloverton keeps pace with growth.
Quotes attributable to Mayor of Hume City, Cr Carly Moore:
"The future of Melbourne's north extends beyond municipal boundaries, and our planning must do the same.
"By working together, Hume, Mitchell and Whittlesea are shaping a shared vision for one of Australia's fastest-growing regions."
Quotes attributable to Mayor of Mitchell Shire Council, Cr John Dougall:
"Securing land for a major public hospital now, before development limits the options, means families across the north can get the care they need closer to home.
"Three councils have joined forces, secured funding and started the work. We're asking every party to commit to working with us, so the infrastructure arrives alongside the people - not years after."
Quotes attributable to Mayor of City of Whittlesea, Cr Lawrie Cox:
"The partnership for Cloverton and Melbourne's north must succeed through the coordinated approach of our Councils and the State Government needs to be there now working with us.
"We know that it may be considered a new approach by some, but it is necessary to have infrastructure in advance for roads, transport, jobs, schools, health services and community facilities that are delivered. It cannot wait decades after development has started."
