ADJOURNMENT MATTER — Ms Spence to ask the Minister for Public Transport —

My adjournment matter is for the attention of the Minister for Public Transport, and the action I seek is that the minister provide an update on progress of the $5 million Upfield to Somerton rail upgrade business case.

Public transport is an increasingly popular choice for commuters in Melbourne’s outer north. I note Labor’s investment in delivering extra peak services, station parking and the game changing Metro Tunnel project, all of which will greatly benefit Yuroke residents.

The Andrews Labor government is also investigating the feasibility of running Seymour V/Line services via the Upfield line, which would in turn provide additional capacity on the Craigieburn line. This would be made possible by upgrading tracks between Roxburgh Park and Upfield stations that are currently not in use. I am sure that Yuroke residents would be interested to know more about progress on this business case and how the potential Upfield to Somerton rail upgrade could benefit their families. I look forward to receiving a response from the minister.

Answer:

The 2016/17 State Budget committed $5 million for planning activities to investigate infrastructure upgrade options between Upfield and Somerton to support new services to Wallan.

The Andrews Labor Government is planning for the future duplication of the line to Upfield, and the potential to reinstate the former Somerton link between the Upfield and Craigieburn lines, both of which would allow for additional Upfield and V/Line trains once the Metro Tunnel project is completed.

These planning activities are underway and a business case will be delivered for consideration in 2018.

Hon Jacinta Allan MP
Minister for Public Transport