A series by The Age explores the factors driving Melbourne's west as Australia's fastest-growing region, while also examining the infrastructure challenges and delayed projects that leave residents longing for better days.
Melbourne ’s west is Australia’s fastest-growing region. A series by The Age examines what makes the west a desirable place to live and what’s holding it back. The focus is on infrastructure projects, particularly the Suburban Rail Loop (SRL), connecting Cheltenham and Clayton in the city’s south-east to Sunshine and Werribee in the west. The estimated $50 billion project is envisioned for completion in 2050.
An investment case released in August 2021 revealed the cost and benefits of building the whole loop, but once again, the west appears to be at the back of the queue, grappling with promises of a better future. This pattern of offering a vision that then fades has been repeated for residents of Melbourne’s western suburbs. The opening date of the SRL, initially proposed for 2029, is now delayed by at least four years. The “super-city” East Werribee Employment Precinct, another project announced in 2018, is still facing delays. Electrification of train services to Melton and Wyndham, another 2018 election promise, remains unrealized. Five years ago, the western suburb of Mambourin was promoted as a “20-minute city”, with services readily accessible, but this vision hasn’t materialized. Successive Labor governments highlight billions spent on the west, including dozens of new and upgraded schools, the opening of a hospital in Sunshine, and two more under construction in Footscray and Melton. Transport links are also being improved with the opening of the West Gate and Metro tunnels, along with the redevelopment of Melton train station and a new station in Tarneit. However, the core question remains: is the level of investment in the region commensurate with its growth and aspirations
Melbourne Urban Growth Infrastructure Suburban Rail Loop Promises
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