Tuesday, 18 March 2025

 Gary MAAS (Narre Warren South) (19:14): (1068) The adjournment matter that I wish to raise is for the Minister for Public and Active Transport and concerns the Metro Tunnel. The action that I seek is that the minister provide an update on the Metro Tunnel works, which will improve public transport services for my constituents in Narre Warren South.

Our state government is moving full steam ahead on the Metro Tunnel. This is the biggest upgrade to our rail network since the city loop opened in 1981 and will change the way that we move around Melbourne. The new continuous rail line will link my constituents on the Cranbourne and Pakenham lines all the way to Sunbury in the west while travelling through five new underground stations under the CBD. The Metro Tunnel works are on top of new high-capacity trains which are running on the Pakenham line already, providing an extra carriage for 20 per cent more passengers and improved seating, accessibility and real-time information. This is on top of the Level Crossing Removal Project, which will soon see the Pakenham line level crossing free. It is now almost one year on since the new Narre Warren station opened after the removal of the level crossing on Webb Street, and I know the brand new station is making a big difference to our local commuters, pedestrians and drivers.

What my community is demanding, though, is a rail network that services commuters with frequent and reliable trains that get people where they need to be when they need to be there. I know that my constituents are looking forward to the seamless connection of the Cranbourne and Pakenham lines to the Metro Tunnel. I look forward to sharing the minister’s response with my community.