Tuesday, 17 March 2026

 Steve McGHIE (Melton) (12:56): The Allan Labor government has been removing Victoria’s level crossings for more than 10 years now. Those opposite never thought we would be able to do the mountain of work right across the state. From metro lines to V/Line lines we have removed 88 level crossings and counting, and soon the Melton line will add four more to that growing number of level crossings removed. The Melton level crossing removals and brand new station builds are moving ahead of schedule. All will be officially open and operational this year. Over the summer break we saw a 14-day construction blitz to upgrade the rail infrastructure along the Tarneit and Melton lines, and just two weeks ago I visited the Ferris Road bridge and stood right along the top and looked at the realignment of the road. It has been a fantastic effort by all the construction workers and the Level Crossing Removal Project.

Just last week the member for Sunbury and I visited the new Melton station and witnessed a six-lift shaft installed to form an essential part of the new Melton station – all-accessible platforms. These lifts will provide direct access to all four platforms, and they are each big enough to fit mobility scooters, wheelchairs and prams. Alongside the lifts, there will be stairs that will also provide access to all four platforms. These four platforms have been designed to allow for greater capacity trains along the Melton line. We will see huge nine-carriage VLocity trains running on the Melton line in 2027, one year ahead of schedule. This also allows for futureproofing for electrification. The best view of the works happening around the clock on the Melton line is from the train line itself. When you are next on your train to or from home, have a look out the window to see the Melton station and level crossings transform before your eyes. I am looking forward to heading back out there.