Doncaster Rail Study
Cost: $6.5 million for planning
Project description
The Victorian Government has provided $6.5 million to examine a number of options for providing a high-quality heavy rail link to Doncaster.
Doncaster is one of the most important commercial and civic centres within the City of Manningham. Although there has been significant growth in patronage of recently upgraded bus services from Doncaster to the CBD, the City of Manningham remains the only metropolitan Melbourne municipality without train or tram services.
Detailed investigations are being undertaken to enable the Government to better understand the requirements of a high quality heavy rail link for communities within the Manningham, Boroondara, Yarra, Whitehorse, Maroondah and Banyule municipalities.
The Victorian Government will continue to work with Infrastructure Australia to progress the Doncaster Rail Link.
The Doncaster Rail Study consists of a partnership of four key engineering firms lead by URS, with a number of supporting sub-contractors. Information about their work, including details of community workshops, can be found on the study team's website.
Study objectives
The aim of the Doncaster Rail Study is to provide an independent assessment of the requirements of constructing a heavy rail line to Doncaster.
The specific objectives of the study are to:
- engage with key stakeholders and the community to assess travel needs and establish views on concept designs for a Doncaster rail line
- provide concepts for a proposed Doncaster railway line
- ensure that the rail proposal integrates with all operational and strategic plans for the existing and future rail, tram and road network
- identify key issues, constraints and opportunities relating to transport efficiency and reliability, land use planning, and environmental, social and economic sustainability
- develop a report that provides recommendations to Government for a heavy rail solution, with an assessment of potential impacts and how to minimise them.
Consultation and communication
A key part of undertaking the study is to engage with key stakeholders, business, industry, transport operators and the community.
A range of engagement tools and techniques will be used as part of the study process, including:
- interactive online engagement
- local council briefings
- technical workshops
- community information sessions
- a public submission process.
For further information call 1800 078 387 or email doncasterrail@transport.vic.gov.au.
Media releases
- 3 May 2011 - Coalition Government takes action on Doncaster rail link
- 26 October 2011 - Doncaster Rail planning study underway with contract awarded