Council advocates for best outcomes on two major transport projects

Published on 23 July 2026

Council is continuing to advocate for the best possible outcomes for the community on two major State Government transport projects, with the endorsement of submissions on the proposed Anderson Street level crossing project in Yarraville and the Melbourne Airport Rail Stage 1 project, including the new Tottenham Station.

Mayor, Cr Mohamed Semra said Council supported investment in transport infrastructure but wanted to ensure the projects delivered lasting benefits for residents, businesses and visitors.

"We welcome investment in safer, better-connected transport infrastructure, but it's important these projects deliver the best possible outcomes for our community," Mayor Semra said.

"Council is committed to working constructively with the State Government to ensure these projects improve safety, protect the character of our neighbourhoods and support the needs of our growing community.”

Yarraville Crossing Removal

Council endorsed the submission to the Victorian Infrastructure Delivery Authority (VIDA Rail) on the Anderson Street Level Crossing Removal Proposal.

At odds with the VIDA Rail proposal, Councillors voted to support at-grade (ground level) access along Anderson Street for vehicles and pedestrians. Council’s assessment of the proposed design indicates that a pedestrian underpass with ramps at Anderson Street is not feasible due to its significant impacts on the heritage station precinct, bus interchange, mature trees, open space, and the character of Yarraville Village.

Instead, Council recommends investigating a combination of an at-grade crossing and underpass to improve accessibility while protecting heritage, minimising property acquisition, and maintaining Village connectivity. If this option is not feasible, Council recommends revising the proposed two-underpass design to eliminate all private property acquisitions while improving pedestrian and cycling access and preserving the bus interchange's retail activity.

While Council supports the project's aim of improving safety and connectivity, the submission also calls for greater transparency around the assessment of design options and further investigation of alternatives that better protect Yarraville Village's heritage character, mature trees, public spaces and local businesses.

Council also requested the Mayor write to the Minister for Planning, the Minister for Transport Infrastructure and the Director-General of VIDA Rail, providing Council's submission and advocating for its recommendations. Council officers will continue working with VIDA Rail throughout the planning process to advocate for the best possible outcome for the community.

New Tottenham Station

Council has also endorsed a submission to the Melbourne Airport Rail Stage 1 (MARS1) Project in relation to the early designs for the New Tottenham Station.

The submission advocates for a high-quality, integrated station precinct that prioritises walking, cycling and public transport, delivers safe and connected pedestrian and cycling infrastructure, supports future bus services through an integrated bus and rail interchange, and incorporates strong urban design, place-making and environmentally sustainable outcomes.

Council is also advocating for the inclusion of integrated bus interchange facilities to support future north-south and east-west bus connections and seamless transfers between bus and rail services.

In addition, Council's submission requests the inclusion of a pedestrian-operated signal crossing on Sunshine Road at Aliwal Street to support a safer, lower-stress cycling route to the station.

Council will continue to advocate to the State Government throughout the detailed design and delivery phases of both projects to ensure community and Council feedback is meaningfully considered.

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