Merri-bek City Council's response to state government pledge to duplicate the Upfield Train Line - attributable to Mayor Cr Nat Abboud
On this page:
Duplication of the Upfield train line between Gowrie and Upfield stations
Merri‑bek City Council welcomes the Victorian Government’s commitment to progress duplication of the Upfield train line between Gowrie and Upfield stations.
Our community has been calling for this project over many years and we thank the Caroll Government for listening.
It’s wonderful to have the ALP and the Greens commitment to this project, and we now respectfully call on the Coalition to match this commitment. A bipartisan approach is key to unlocking this long overdue upgrade.
This announcement recognises investment in the Upfield rail corridor is essential to improving people’s daily connections to services, education, jobs, friends and family.
Level Crossing Removals
Council is pleased to see duplication proposed alongside the eight Brunswick Level Crossing Removals. This reflects our advocacy to minimise disruption for communities by coordinating major works. The Victorian Government’s pledge is an important step, but it must not remain a promise on paper. Level crossing removals have already shifted from 2027 to 2030, and now to 2033. We cannot afford another decade of delays.
We urge the State Government to commence upgrades as soon as possible. Let’s get shovels in the ground; our community has waited long enough.
Connecting the Upfield and Craigieburn lines
Duplication is only the beginning. To truly unlock the potential of Melbourne’s north, we call on all political parties to commit to connecting the Upfield line to the Craigieburn line and electrifying the corridor to Wallan. These are the long‑term network improvements our growing suburbs need to ensure fast, reliable and sustainable transport for generations to come.