Melton City Council is calling on the Victorian Government to deliver the critical transport, education and community infrastructure needed to support the newly approved Melton East precinct.
The Victorian Government last week announced it had approved the Melton East Precinct Structure Plan, unlocking a new area planned to house 36,000 new residents and deliver 12,000 new homes.
Around 5,500 new homes are being built in the City of Melton each year, providing diverse and affordable housing options for one of Australia's fastest-growing communities.
While Council recognises the need for more housing and is supporting efforts to meet Victoria's housing targets, new housing must be matched by investment in transport, roads, schools, services and employment precincts.
City of Melton residents are already facing long delays getting to work, education and essential services. The electrification and duplication of the Melton rail line, along with upgrades to major arterial roads, are urgently needed to relieve congestion, improve safety and support growth.
Council is calling for a fully funded commitment to duplicate and electrify the Melton rail line by 2030, in line with Infrastructure Victoria's recommendation, and delivery of two new train stations at Mt Atkinson and Thornhill Park.
Council is also calling for a coordinated Outer Western Roads Package, including further investment in the Western Highway and key arterial roads such as Hopkins Road, Melton Highway, Taylors Road and the Palmers Road corridor. These roads are essential links for residents, freight, jobs and future employment precincts, but they are not keeping pace with residential growth, industrial development or the needs of Melbourne's expanding west.
Quotes attributable to City of Melton Mayor, Cr Lara Carli
"Melton East will play an important role in supporting more housing, but new homes must come with the transport, roads, schools, services and employment opportunities that make communities liveable.
"The City of Melton is being expected by the Victorian Government to do the heavy lifting on housing growth in Victoria. We have long been asking for a fair share of infrastructure investment, so our residents are not left behind.
"New residential and industrial precincts cannot continue to be fast-tracked without first investing in the transport, road, education and community infrastructure that makes growth sustainable.
"That is why Council is continuing to advocate for the electrification and duplication of the Melton rail line, new stations at Mt Atkinson and Thornhill Park, and a coordinated Outer Western Roads Package.
"Investing in the City of Melton now will ease congestion, support families, unlock jobs and build the strong, connected communities our growing city deserves."
