More Train Connections for Melbourne’s West

The Andrews Government has announced a new train station will be built in Melton South, to service the growing community of Toolern.

Toolern Station will be built on V/Line’s Serviceton railway line, between Rockbank and Melton stations. It will be funded by the government’s Growth Area Infrastructure Contribution (GAIC), and will be constructed by a consortium consisting of Lendlease, Coleman Rail, and SMEC.

The community of Toolern is set to see its population grow from approximately 904 people (in 2016), to 11,000 people by 2040. The new train station is part of the greater infrastructure plan for the area, and will “help people get to where they need to go,” according to public transport minister Jacinta Allen.

Early construction works have already kicked off, and the project will be complete by late 2019. Station construction will include a car park, bus interchange, and bike storage.

The new station is part of the government’s massive upgrade of the line through Melbourne’s west, with other key plans including duplication of 18km of the track. This will allow for future electrification of the service to Melton. Rockbank, Bacchus Marsh, and Ballan stations will also receive an upgrade and new facilities as part of the scheme.

Planning minister Richard Wynne said,

“We know the population in Melbourne’s outer west is booming. That’s why we’re planning for and delivering the public transport options they need now and in the future as they grow.”