Melton council seeks state interest in two new stations
Paid parking is among the options raised as the council considers partnerships for stations at Mt Atkinson and Thornhill Park.
Melton City Council has backed preliminary discussions with the Victorian government over potential partnerships to deliver stations at Mt Atkinson and Thornhill Park in Melbourne's outer west.
The options include a public-private partnership or the council working directly with the government. Deputy Mayor Philip Zada said the purpose was to establish the government's willingness to collaborate. He also suggested charging motorists for station parking as a possible way to raise council revenue.
The proposed Ballarat V/Line stops are among the council's election priorities, which also include upgrading roads and electrifying the Melton line. Zada said residents had spent years advocating for the stations.
Council data puts the municipality's annual population growth at 6.61 per cent, against a Melbourne average of 2 per cent. The council says the stations would reduce pressure on Caroline Springs, Rockbank and Cobblebank, where it describes crowded trains and parking areas filled by 7.30am.
Planning documents have included a Mt Atkinson station since 2017. Resident Jaksha Shah said infrastructure was an important local issue ahead of the state election on 28 November, citing morning congestion and a 40-minute trip to the nearest supermarket during peak-hour traffic.
Victorian Transport Minister Vicki Ward said the Sunshine Superhub project would make electrification of the Melton line possible and allow more services in Melbourne's west. She said site investigations were continuing as work proceeded to finalise the design.
