- Published:
- Monday 14 November 2016
The Andrews Labor Government will build an extra station on the new rail line to Mernda, connecting thousands of residents to trains for the first time.
Premier Daniel Andrews joined Minister for Public Transport Jacinta Allan and local Members Lily D’Ambrosio, and Danielle Green to announce that John Holland will build the nearly $600 million Mernda Rail Extension, which will include a new station near Hawkstowe Parade in South Morang.
The new Hawkstowe station is in addition to the two new stations already announced in Mernda and near Marymede Catholic College. The three stations are expected to be used by more than 8,000 passengers a day.
Mernda Rail Extension will create up to 3,000 jobs – 1,200 directly during construction and as many as 1,800 indirectly in suppliers and other businesses supported by the project.
It will support more than 70 ongoing jobs once trains are running. Like every major Labor Government project, 10 per cent of work will be carried out by trainees, apprentices and engineering cadets – giving young and reskilling workers a head-start in their new career.
The project includes new walking and cycling paths, better bus connections, and train stabling in Mernda. There will also be extensive bike storage and up to 2,000 new car spaces across the three new stations.
Construction of the Mernda Rail Extension will begin next year, and trains will be running on the new line by 2019.
Information sessions will be held in December, where locals can see the latest designs and talk to the project team. For more information visit levelcrossings.vic.gov.au/merndarail.
Quotes attributable to Premier Daniel Andrews
“We were elected to put people first, and we haven’t wasted a day in the last two years building the transport projects Victoria needs – to create jobs, reduce congestion and get people home safer and sooner.”
“The Mernda Rail Extension will change people’s lives for the better – creating work for thousands of people, and connecting one of Australia’s fastest growing communities to employment, education and the rest of Victoria.”
Quote attributable to Member for Mill Park Lily D’Ambrosio
“People said they wanted the third station and we’re getting on with building it. We’re listening to locals and delivering the projects and services that Victorians need.”
Quote attributable to Member for Yan Yean Danielle Green
“This project will create thousands of jobs and connect thousands of locals in Mernda, Doreen and Whittlesea to work, education and each other. We’re putting people first and getting it done.”