On 28 April we made a submission to INfrastructure Victoria on the Draft Infrastructure Strategy for Victoria. There was miuch in this document that we agreed with. There was also a few areas in which we think they got the infrastructure priority wrong, or the infrastructure planning wrong.

We particularly singled out priority for Upgrading and extending the Upfield Line. Also the extension of the No 58 tram line to be taken to Glenroy Station, not Batman station as proposed. We also called for reassessment of Waste to Energy as part of the circular economy framework and called for innovative exploration of recycling technologies and waste minimisation and disposal.

Here is our Executive summary and our full submission.

Executive Summary and recommendations

There was much we strongly  supported in the Draft Infrastructure Strategy. Here are some of the highlights:

1. Addressing the housing crisis is important, and we have made suggestions for improving social housing infrastructure..  

8. The proposed tram extension: Melville Road to Batman train station in Coburg does not make sense in increasing the catchment capacity. We suggest extending the tram line to Glenroy Station instead.

14. We fully endorse updating “speed limit policy and work with local governments to update

speed limit signs to set 30km/h limits

15. We note the strong benefits gained from investing in walking and cycling infrastructure.

16. Generally agree with sharing school sports grounds for community use. Upgrade of the sports grounds, whether they are Council managed or in schools, should avoid going down synthetic turf conversion pathway.

24. Reducing Greenhouse gas from Infrastructure. We wholeheartedly support this approach, especially during procurement contracts for infrastructure.

32. Determine long duration energy storage needs and technology

34.  Speed up household energy efficiency and electrification. Does not deal with the position of renters. We have some suggestions

38. Prepare for more recycling and waste infrastructure but we highlight Waste to Energy is inconsistent with a Circular Economy and contains environmental and health risks.

42. Encourage off-peak freight delivery in urban areas should be considered as only one solution. Micro logistics hubs and e-cargo bike delivery should also be considered for urban last mile delivery.

43. Extend metropolitan trains to growth areas in Melbourne’s north and south-east. We have major problems with the timing and detail for upgrading the Upfield Line and suburban extension. We think duplication and extension to Craigieburn  should be moved forward in priority to be done in the next 5 years. Followed by extending the suburban electrified rail to Wallan, not Kalkallo. The politicians are already bidding for upgrading the Upfield Line. Current State politicians have promised a 70% increase in capacity when Metro tunnel opens in 2025. 

Full Submission