The Upfield Transport Alliance was initiated from a meeting of community groups and individuals along the Upfield line from Parkville to Craigieburn.
The initial meeting to discuss campaigning for upgrade of the Upfield Line was held at Fawkner on 30 September 2018. The 15 people present represented groups from Brunswick, Coburg, Fawkner, Broadmeadows and Craigieburn.
Track duplication on the Upfield Line was seen as a key priority, and to start a campaign before the state election important timing. Other demands were subsidiary, including extension of the line through Roxburgh Park to Craigieburn and eventually Wallan, and building a station at Camp Road, Campbellfield, and extension of the Upfield Bike Path.
With Level Crossing Removal Authority (LXRA) keen to start the Moreland Road and Bell Street Level Crossing removals after the election, a primary aim is to push for concurrent work to be done duplicating the line to Upfield. The example of bringing forward the Mernda line extension provides an example of reprioritisation we are demanding from state government. We want the track duplication and upgrade much sooner rather than in 15 or more years.
The single track between Gowrie and Upfield is a key reason that service frequency and reliability is reduced on the Upfield Line. While city loop capacity is an issue, the single track is a more important priority to be addressed.
We need a whole of line solution and campaign.
This is an alliance of groups in a long term campaign, not just for the current state election. That being said, an election campaign is an ideal time to start this campaign alliance, and to perhaps launch it with an action or public event.
A community rally was held at Upfield Station on November 3 with over 100 people attending.
Upgrade Upfield Line 