Wyndham City Council to lobby for better public transport in the municipality

Public transport is shaping up as the biggest issue facing Melbourne’s growing western corridor. Find out what needs to be done to fix the issue.

A council from Melbourne’s west has launched a plan of attack to lobby governments for better public transport to meet a meteoric population rise.

Wyndham City Council released its 2023 integrated transport strategy which advocates for better public transport and a network that is “accessible, integrated, comfortable, attractive and safer for people of all ages and abilities”.

The strategy is divided into eight statements with focuses on land use and transport integration, active travel, public transport, freight, transport network, other transport modes, education and technology (see full statements below).

Councillor Heather Marcus said the strategy addresses the “strain on current resources”.

“Transport would be the toughest component of what we have to deal with in the city,” she said

“Transport is a tough ask for the city. It’s something that affects every resident that lives here.

“Hopefully this policy will be good…and we will see change so we can move our people across the city because that’s what I’m hearing every day. People can’t get to their appointments, they’re late and we need to work hard on getting it right.”

The ultimate goal is to create a Wyndham Transport Network, which would incorporate a train loop and bus network connecting all suburbs in Wyndham, with new stations to be built to connect with the existing stations.

New train stations at Truganina, Davis Rd, Sayers Rd, Black Forest Rd, Browns Rd, Werribee Racecourse and Derrimut Rd have been proposed as part of this vision.

The council’s population is expected to reach half a million by 2040, with an increase of 11,000 people annually over the next 20 years.

A demand for more transport options in Wyndham was highlighted by Tarneit recording 17,000 Flexiride users - the highest statewide - in the first 90 days, prompting Mayor Susan McIntyre to call on the state government to expand the service to more Wyndham suburbs.

Wyndham’s plan of attack

Land Use and Transport Integration

“Integrate transport and land use to invigorate locations and help people to live locally using sustainable transport choices.”

Active Travel

“Provide an active transport network that is accessible, integrated, comfortable, attractive and safer for people of all ages and abilities.”

Public Transport

“Strongly advocate for a safer, resilient, more integrated, inclusive public transport system that meets the need of our growing population.”

Freight

“Optimise freight transport efficiency to maximise economic opportunities for the Western Region of Melbourne, while minimising adverse impacts on the community and residential amenity.”

Transport Network

“Deliver an integrated and safer network that is sustainable for current and future generations.”

Other Transport Modes

“Encourage and enable a range of current and future transport options to contribute to a sustainable, agile and inclusive transport system.”

Education, Promotion and Communication

“Promote smarter, healthier, more environmentally sustainable travel choices by engaging with our community.”

Technology and Innovation

“Seek innovative solutions to transport challenges by harnessing technology and data-driven decision making for the benefit of our community and visitors.”