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Liberals to kickstart Lilydale rail duplication
Monday 7 November 2022
The Lilydale rail line is one of the worst performing in Victoria, notorious for cancellations and poor punctuality.
The 4.7 km stretch between Mooroolbark and Lilydale is the longest section of single-track on the metropolitan network and a key cause of train delays and cancellations. Only duplicating the rail line will remove the congested bottleneck and allow more frequent train services.
That’s why a Matt Guy Liberals and Nationals Government will get on with a $5 million scoping study to plan for the duplication of the rail line between Mooroolbark and Lilydale, with provision for a new station at Kinley Estate.
Despite the Andrews Labor Government spending nearly half a billion dollars to remove the Mooroolbark and Lilydale level crossings in 2021, they failed to duplicate the track leaving residents stranded for 25 to 30 minutes waiting for a train from Lilydale.
Furthermore, with a new residential community at Kinley Estate, Lilydale’s population is set to increase by around 40 per cent in coming years, putting extreme pressure on Lilydale’s transport infrastructure.
Yet, Daniel Andrews and Labor have failed to undertake necessary transport infrastructure planning to ensure adequate public transport for the area.
Shadow Minister for Transport Infrastructure, Matt Bach, was excited to announce this important transport infrastructure scoping study for the Lilydale Line.
“While the Andrews Labor Government is borrowing billions to fund an un-costed, irresponsible megaproject in the inner suburbs, the Liberals and Nationals are focused on the upgrades that matter, such as the duplication of the Lilydale line.”
“Daniel Andrews’ priorities are all wrong. The Liberals have listened to local communities and will get on with delivering the infrastructure they need.”
Liberal Member for Evelyn, Bridget Vallence, was thrilled to announce the rail duplication scoping works to help get Lilydale and Yarra Valley communities moving.
“The only way to improve punctuality and frequency of the Lilydale train service is to duplicate the track. That’s why it’s vital we get this important scoping study underway with our $5 million commitment.”
“Doing this early scoping work to duplicate the tracks between Mooroolbark and Lilydale is common-sense. Under the Liberals and Nationals’ $2 daily fare policy, catching the train will be cheaper as well as easier.”
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