Victoria’s City of Casey Council has welcomed an announcement by the State Government of funding for a transformed rail precinct for the city.
It says the upgrade will dramatically transform the way local commuters can move in and around, boost local business activity and provide new urban spaces for the community. The precinct has been the subject of significant lobbying over recent years.
City of Casey Chair of Administrators, Noelene Duff PSM said the announcement was “excellent news” for the community.
“The State Government has recognised the growing congestion around the gateway to the Narre Warren-Fountain Gate CBD, which sees extended delays at the boom gates, 15,000 plus vehicles a day on Webb Street, and difficulties for pedestrians,” she said.
“The new projects being planned for the Narre Warren rail precinct will enable significant improvements for our growing community. Council has endorsed a structure plan and urban design framework for the Narre Warren-Fountain Gate CBD, which will enable better connections and access to public transport and the services our community needs.
“The new station, hybrid rail over road level crossing solution and improved pedestrian access will improve accessibility to one of the major activity centres in Melbourne’s south east. We look forward to working with the State Government, residents and businesses on the best possible outcomes.”
Ms Duff said the Narre Warren-Fountain Gate CBD was well positioned to transition into a truly diverse centre, with a focus on economic investment, residential growth and job creation.
City of Casey CEO, Glenn Patterson said the investment into the rail precinct opened up possibilities for the whole district.
“The newly committed State-funded projects, have the potential to be integrated into a leading-edge redesigned precinct to service our diverse CBD.”
“Importantly, these projects provide an opportunity to provide more connected walking and cycling access and improvements to the public realm, benefitting the wider community. We are looking forward to working with the State Government and the community on these exciting changes,” Mr Patterson said.
Information on the upcoming rail projects will be available via the Level Crossing’s website.
