My constituency question is to the Minister for Transport and Infrastructure, and I ask: what is the process for determining the future of the Fulham Grange spur in Alphington? This large 1.28-hectare site on the corner of Heidelberg and Grange roads is owned by VicTrack but is surplus to their requirements. At the end of 2022 VicTrack undertook a community consultation to ask Alphington residents about their insights, preferences and priorities for the site. VicTrack committed to using these insights to inform a further round of engagement as part of the development of a master plan in 2023. There are many imperatives within our community when it comes to the use of valuable land – from more housing to open space, active transport links and better services. My community are keen to see the summary feedback from the consultation and to hear about the next steps to determining the future of this important site.
Answer
(Question redirected following October 2023 ministerial portfolio changes)
I thank the Member for Northcote for her question.
In recent years the land at the Fulham Grange Spur in Alphington has supported delivery of Victoria’s Big Build including the removal of the Grange Road level crossing and Hurstbridge line upgrade – projects that have removed a dangerous and congested level crossing in Alphington and enabled more train services for local commuters, reduced crowding on peak trains and provided better connections to public transport.
With these projects complete and the Level Crossing Removals Project vacating the land , the Allan Labor Government acknowledges this presents a great opportunity to revitalise the land to meet the needs of the rapidly growing and changing Alphington community.
To this end, VicTrack have undertaken early engagement to understand the community’s preferences and priorities for the future use of the site and received a strong response.
The community feedback will be used to inform future master planning and VicTrack is currently considering options for the next phase of the process.
I am pleased to advise an update including a summary report, will be provided soon to the over 1000 submitters who contributed their ideas and suggestions for this site.
Thank you for your ongoing advocacy on behalf of Alphington residents. I am looking forward to working with you to realise a vision for this site that meets the priorities and aspirations of the local community.
Hon Danny Pearson MP
Minister for Transport Infrastructure
