By BRIDGET SCOTT
AN ADDITIONAL 150 car park spaces at Berwick Train Station will ease congestion at the busiest railway station in Victoria.
On Friday 22 August, Member for Gembrook Brad Battin announced that the $1.1 million upgrade had started, which will see the total number of spaces rise to 900.
Mr Battin said the developments were expected to be finished in December this year and “will increase access for users and people around the area.”
“This development will cater for the future needs of local commuters in one of Melbourne’s fastest-growing corridors, making it one of the largest railway stations on the network,” he said.
“Local public transport users will also benefit from new timetables, record punctuality and major infrastructure projects.”
Liberal candidate for Narre Warren South Susan Serey and candidate for Narre Warren North Amanda Stapledon attended the announcement, and agreed it was a significant development for surrounding areas.
“It will provide great relief for train users around the area,” Ms Stapledon said.
“It’s a welcome addition and part of the visionary thinking of the government.”
Ms Serey said it was proof the government “is listening and providing.”
“It’s a huge growth corridor here, so it’s important we provide extra spaces for people in areas such as Clyde, which is growing,” she said.
Mr Battin added that these car parks came as an addition to a Napthine Government project which would ensure a more dependable service.
“This project is in addition to the Napthine Government’s $2-$2.5 billion Cranbourne-Pakenham Rail Corridor Project that will ensure a safer, cheaper and more reliable service that will run quicker and more frequently,” he said.
Key benefits for commuters on the Pakenham line include more than 2000 jobs created during construction phase, high-capacity signalling upgrades, 25 new next generation trains and more.
