Launched on Tuesday, October 7, Connect Melbourne North is a campaign that urges residents and local businesses to speak about the real impacts of inadequate and unreliable transport in their daily lives.
Bringing together the municipalities of Banyule, Darebin, Hume, Merri-bek, Nillumbik, Whittlesea and Mitchell, the campaign acts as a push for investment in public transport, connectivity and active transport networks across the fast-growing region of Melbourne’s north.
Highlighting issues particularly faced in the LGA’s southern end, Mitchell Shire Mayor John Dougall said the campaign highlighted the urgent need to deliver infrastructure early, not decades too late.
“Communities can’t thrive if housing comes first and schools, roads and public transport arrive years afterwards,” he said.
“Only 1.2 per cent of people in Beveridge commute by public transport — not because they don’t want to, but because they can’t.
“Without matching investment in schools, roads and transport, we’re building communities that start at disadvantage.”
The campaign is advocating for improvements, such as:
- An efficient, connected bus network that matches how people live and work;
- Investment in rail projects such as the Upfield Line extension and Wollert rail;
- Safer walking and cycling paths linked across council boundaries; east-west connectivity to improve access to jobs and services;
- Better access to health infrastructure, such as the Northern Hospital; and
- Investment in large road projects such as the Hume Fwy extension.
While each council involved highlighted key issues, such as overloaded roads, unsafe bike links and inadequate services in rural areas, they all share the common goal of achieving better transport for everyone in Melbourne’s north.
Northern Councils Alliance chair and Merri-bek City Mayor Helen Davidson said community voices would help power the next stage of advocacy.
“Our region is one of the fastest growing in our country, yet our transport network hasn’t kept up,” she said.
“This campaign is about amplifying local voices and showing decision-makers that transport in Melbourne’s north can’t wait.
“We need more than words — we need commitment and investment.”
For more information, visit connectmelbournesnorth.com
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