My adjournment matter is directed to the Minister for Public and Active Transport, and the action I seek is for the minister to join me for a visit to Glen Waverley station. Glen Waverley station is a busy and vibrant transport hub for so many. Located in the heart of my electorate, it is not only at the end of a train line but also a key station in many bus routes. Added to this is the fact that it is adjacent to a major shopping centre, the Glen Waverley shopping centre, and Kingsway, as well as Glen Waverley Secondary College and the Glen Waverley library – and your electorate office too, Deputy Speaker.
In essence Glen Waverley station plays a vital role in facilitating the movement of many people through this busy area, and that is why it is important to ensure that we make the most of the opportunities that come with the station being in such a strategic position. We must take proactive action to ensure that both housing and services, including both bus and train services, are ready to deal with an increase in population.
Under the great project of the Suburban Rail Loop, the Allan Labor government has designated the area surrounding the Glen Waverley station as one of the activity precincts. A power of work has been undertaken to develop the draft precinct vision document, and I am looking forward to the draft structure plans being delivered next year. This means that planning regulations are being reformed so that the densification of the area can be facilitated. Building the Suburban Rail Loop to connect our suburbs as well as appropriately developing denser housing in established areas means that we are transforming our state to not only modernise but also improve our standard of living.
The Suburban Rail Loop East, from Glen Waverley to Cheltenham, will open up so many opportunities for economic growth, and I know it will make travelling more convenient for Glen Waverley residents. I look forward to the minister’s response, and I hope she can join me at Glen Waverley station.
Minister’s Response:
I thank the member for his question, and for his commitment to delivering world-class public transport services and infrastructure for his constituents.
As the member is aware, the Labor Government provided funding in the 2022-23 Budget to improve accessibility, safety and amenity at six metropolitan stations – including Glen Waverley Station. As part of the package of works, new passenger information displays and customer help buttons have been provided, bicycle hoops have been relocated from the platforms to be near the bus interchange, and increased safety features around high voltage structures on platforms have been delivered.
Additionally, funding has been provided to Monash City Council for upgrades to the Scotchman Creek Trail connecting Glen Waverley to Chadstone. Path upgrades, widening and lighting improvements will support greater access and amenity for active users.
And when the Suburban Rail Loop East station at Glen Waverley opens, it will be one of the best connected on the metropolitan network – connecting more people to the heart of this vibrant community. It will provide a key transport link to the existing Glen Waverley Line, providing faster and more convenient access for locals and students to universities, employment and hospitals to the north and south of Glen Waverley.
I thank the member for his invitation to join him on a visit to Glen Waverley Station, and would be pleased to do so in coming weeks.
Gabrielle Williams MP
Minister for Public and Active Transport