Northern Victoria Region
Gaelle BROAD (Northern Victoria) (12:43): (300) My question is for the Minister for Transport and Infrastructure, and I ask her to please advise when the Wollert rail feasibility study will be completed. In November 2019 Jacinta Allan wrote to the City of Whittlesea to say the state government would start the feasibility study into the new rail line by 2022, but it appears nothing has been done. The federal government has already committed $250,000 for the study, and the local council wants the state government to contribute funding and complete the study. In a rapidly growing suburb, Wollert rail is an essential piece of infrastructure to enable access to public transport. Rail would save time and remove 2000 cars every hour from already congested roads. It would improve livability, connect residents to Melbourne’s CBD and make it easier for staff and patients to access the Northern Hospital. Local residents want to ensure the minister does not miss the train. It is time to get on board and complete the feasibility study.