Moonee Valley community petitions for two new train stations

A petition to build two new train stations in Airport West and East Keilor is ramping up, with nearly 1500 people calling on the State Government to include them as part of the proposed Airport Rail Link to fix the “transport black spot”.

Michael Moyzes with fellow concerned residents Margaret, Betty, Michelle, Dragica and Rita are on board with the petition to get two new stations built in Airport West and East Keilor.

An East Keilor man has launched a community petition for new train stations in Airport West and Keilor East after calling the area a “transport black spot”.

The petition, which has almost 1500 signatures already, is calling on the State Government to include the stations on the proposed Airport Rail Link that will already be running through the area.

Petition creator Michael Moyzes, 41, said community members were forced to either drive to the CBD, catch “very slow” buses to the nearest station or try and find parking at overcrowded train stations.

“The Craigieburn line is completely at breaking point, you can’t get a parking spot at any of the stations past quarter-past-seven,” he said.

“If I want to get into work in the city by public transport, I have to catch two buses and a train in, it’s crazy.”

The angry commuter said he would prefer a separate station in Keilor East, off Keilor Park Drive, and another in Airport West.

“Two stations are warranted. We are talking about two unique suburbs that do have different needs,” Mr Moyzes said.

He said if this wasn’t possible, he would be happy with one dedicated train station in Airport West off Terror St.

“We’re talking about a vulnerable suburb needing a connection to the city, but it’s also about the future and connecting people to jobs in the CBD,” Mr Moyzes said.

Moonee Valley Mayor Narelle Sharpe said the council supported the idea for a Terror St station that would service Airport West, Keilor East and Essendon Fields.

“It’s fantastic to see the community continue to get on board with the campaign for a train station,” she said.

“In May last year council resolved to advocate for a station at Terror St as part of the Sunshine route for the Airport Rail Link. This location aligns with the route selected by the State Government for both the Airport Rail Link and the Suburban Rail Loop.”

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Cr Sharpe said the Terror St site was especially promising because it was already zoned for use for an Airport Rail Link.

“(The site) is also well connected to the road network, two existing bus routes, and the Western Ring Road and Steele Creeke pedestrian and cycling trails,” Cr Sharpe said.

The State Government was contacted for comment but did not respond by the deadline.

The petition can be signed here.

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