State election: Bell St, Reservoir station works and route 11 tram cash priorities for Darebin Council
MONEY for sporting facilities and improvements to transport infrastructure are the top of Darebin council’s wishlist. These issues will receive the most advocacy ahead of the state election in November.
North
Don't miss out on the headlines from North. Followed categories will be added to My News.
A $50 MILLION sports and aquatic works package, level crossing removals at Bell and Reservoir stations and the extension of the route 11 tram are at the top of Darebin Council’s wish list ahead of the state election.
The council will ramp up pressure for political parties to commit to the projects ahead of November’s election, labelling them “essential” to the community.
The council will continue its pursuit of State Government funding for a multi-sport stadium in Thornbury, upping calls to a $50 million investment package for the stadium, Northcote Aquatic and Recreation Centre, and the Reservoir Aquatic Centre.
COUNCILLOR LEAVES PARTY FOR ELECTION
Calls for the stadium, which will provide sporting opportunities for up to 5000 women and girls, have been backed by the Leader in our Let Them Play campaign.
Darebin Mayor Kim Le Cerf said both the Northcote and Reservoir aquatic centres were reaching their use-by dates.
“Both centres require significant upgrades and are essential facilities for the community,” she said.
The State Government has promised to start work on the removal of level crossings at Bell and Reservoir stations this year.
The council wants additional crossings removed as part of the works.
Crossings at Oakover Rd, Cramer St and Murray Rd would be removed and a new station built at Preston under its plan.
“This will cut down on travel time, ease road congestion and free up two MCGs worth of new open space,” Cr Le Cerf said.
The council will also ask for $750,000 to conduct a feasibility study on the route 11 tram extension into Reservoir.
Preston state Labor MP Robin Scott reinforced his party’s commitment to the level crossing removal project and public transport.
“Our suburbs are growing rapidly and it means more Victorians are stuck in traffic. So we’re investing in road and rail to get them home to their families sooner,” Mr Scott said.
Mr Scott said the federal Labor Party had committed to funding the extension.
Northcote state Greens MP Lidia Thorpe agreed with council’s priorities and said the route 11 tram extension was long overdue.
“This Government is spending billions on polluting toll roads that will never solve congestion and only benefit toll road companies. Meanwhile, our public transport is overcrowded and desperately needs more investment,” Ms Thorpe said.
Ms Thorpe also said planning for a second Metro tunnel to separate the South Morang and Hurstbridge lines should start now.
MORE NEWS:
Laurimar lands local footy goalkicking great
Laurimar has joined the NFNL Division 3 arms race, securing one of the Northern league’s greatest goalkickers for its return to the competition in 2025.
How ‘crucial’ Rivergum star thrived in historic win
Rivergum star Jarrod Bannister immediately made a name for himself in the DVCA as his side recorded a historic result. See all the talking points from the weekend.