Ms VAGHELA (Western Metropolitan): My constituency question is directed to the Honourable Jacinta Allan MP, and it relates to the minister’s portfolio responsibilities for transport infrastructure. Wyndham is one of the largest and fastest growing municipalities in Australia. By 2041 Wyndham’s population is forecast to grow to 512 591. With the rapid population growth in the west, residents from the suburbs of Tarneit and Truganina have raised their concerns about currently not having an adequate number of train stations in the area. The existing Tarneit station is a very busy train station, so even with the expansion of the station’s car park and the introduction of high-capacity trains the need still remains for additional train stations in the area. My question to the minister is: when does the government intend to build a new train station at Tarneit West and Truganina in my electorate, which will help in reducing traffic congestion?
Reply:
Jacinta Allan MP, Minister for Transport Infrastructure(26 July 2022):
I thank the Member for Western Metropolitan Region for her question.
The Department of Transport is currently undertaking the Western Rail Plan which sets out the future investments needed for a fast, high-capacity rail network servicing our growing suburbs, such as Wyndham, and growing regional cities in the west.
Funding for the first phase of the Western Rail Plan was provided in the 2021-2 State Budget, with an allocation of $93.6 million to allow the operation of longer trains to Melton and Wyndham Vale.
The first higher capacity Wyndham Vale services using 9‑car VLocity trains were recently operated, providing a capacity boost of up to 50 per cent during peak periods.
Planning and development work is now ongoing for a New Commuter Train, and track improvements that are needed to support new stations at locations such as Truganina and Davis Road.
This is assisted by the complementary Geelong Fast Rail project that will move some services to the Werribee corridor and free up space for more trains to travel along other rail lines such as Wyndham Vale and Melton – a key step in the Western Rail Plan.