State election 2018: Hume councillors push for Broadmeadows train station commitments as Matthew Guy labels parking ‘problematic’

COUNCILLORS in Melbourne’s north are challenging state election candidates to back a full train station redevelopment.

Broadmeadows train station. Picture: George Salpigtidis

HUME councillors have thrown down the challenge to state election candidates to back a significant redevelopment of Broadmeadows train station.

The call comes despite the recent completion of new toilets at the station, built through $4 million of state money which will also go towards a new northern entrance, concourse and renovations to the pedestrian subway.

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Cr Joseph Haweil welcomed the upgrades, but argued they were “minor works that should have been undertaken in the course of general maintenance anyway”.

“I was opposed to accepting the ($4 million funding) because I knew that if we did accept the money that came for minor amendments … then that would be used as an excuse for the next 10 or 15 years not to redevelop the station,” he said. “It’s very important that the major parties, especially the Greens who talk so much about public transport, do make a commitment to Broadmeadows railway station.”

The heated subject was raised at the council meeting in the same week State Opposition Leader Matthew Guy said in an exclusive Leader interview that carparking near Broadmeadows train station was “quite problematic”.

“We haven’t announced anything in terms of money at the moment, but it’s one of those stations where, like Frankston, the opportunity for private contribution in the precinct is important,” Mr Guy said.

Meanwhile, the State Government has allocated $800,000 to develop a business case for upgrades to major interchange stations, including Broadmeadows.

Cr Naim Kurt said the Government’s commitment to a business case was “fantastic” but a long way off what was needed. “My hope and my dream is that as we approach this November election, we can get commitments from every major party and every major player in this state election supporting a train station redevelopment,” he said.

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