By Brendan Rees
The Victorian Greens have unveiled plan to extend the Cranbourne rail line to Clyde as well as duplicating the Cranbourne line, if they win the State Election in November.
The $1 billion project would also see a new station built at Cranbourne East – with all works expected to be completed by 2025.
This would form part of the Greens’ $5 billion Melbourne Metro transport plan.
Greens southeast MP Nina Springle joined Greens transport spokesman Sam Hibbins in making the announcement at Cranbourne Railway Staion on Wednesday 3 October.
“The South East is expanding rapidly and we need this investment in public transport now to support a growing population,” Ms Springle said.
“Extending the Cranbourne line to Clyde will give thousands of people access to decent public transport that will reduce reliance on cars and give residents a door-to-door service to the city.
“I hear from people in the South East on a daily basis about how urgently they need public transport. The Clyde rail extension is something that needs to happen in the next term of government, these communities are crying out for decent public transport they can rely on,” she said.
Ms Springle added the community had seen “big promises” made by the Andrews Government, yet “we are still waiting to hear about how they plan to invest in decent and reliable public transport in the south-east.”
“Cranbourne East was the fastest growing suburb in the country last year, yet the only real option for getting around is by car.”
Public Transport Minister Jacinta Allan said “It’s good to see the Greens Political Party playing catch up on our announcements.”
“Under Labor’s plan, Melbourne’s south-east will have more trains, more often with a re-elected Andrews Labor Government delivering a $750 million upgrade of the Cranbourne line and planning for a new rail link to Clyde,” she said.
