Government deaf to pleas to upgrade Broadmeadows train station

A redevelopment of one of Melbourne’s most rundown stations has long been the demand of Broadmeadows commuters. But despite repeated pleas to the government, so far nothing has been done.

Broadmeadows Train Station. Picture: George Salpigtidis

The State Government has refused to commit to funding the Broadmeadows train station despite calls to upgrade one of the most “rundown” facilities in Victoria.

Last week Leader launched its Fix The Station campaign to push for action on the long overdue project.

It came after Hume Council demanded the unsafe station be pulled down and replaced with a new vibrant transport hub.

In 2009, the John Brumby Labor government allocated $80 million to develop the station and wider Broadmeadows, to much fanfare.

But before the shovel could hit the ground, Labor lost the election to the Coalition and the cash disappeared.

When asked why the $80 million funding hadn’t been reallocated since Labor returned to power, State Government spokesman Joel Dwyer would not comment, reiterating they had recently spent $4 million to upgrade the station.

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Broadmeadows State MP Frank McGuire had accused the then Coalition Government of being a “reverse Robin Hood” for stripping cash off Broadmeadows to “sandbag” marginal seats.

But Mr McGuire also did not comment when asked what he was doing now to secure the funding from the Labor Government.

Meanwhile, Hume residents have expressed overwhelming support for a station overhaul.

Reader Shelley Belle said the station was “dark, dingy and dangerous”.

Mustafa Demirel said “we need a brand-new, world-class station”.