Ms PATTEN (Northern Metropolitan) (12:02): My question today is for the Minister for Planning, and it comes from a concerned group of citizens in Craigieburn. The Craigieburn West precinct structure plan is one of 19 planning and infrastructure projects being fast-tracked as part of the government’s response to the COVID-19 crisis. This precinct will add around 8000 dwellings to Craigieburn. Whilst this is a welcome development, the elephant in the room is that both Hume City Council and the wider community have been trying to get the government to address the duplication of Mickleham Road. The council, while supporting the structure plan, has said that they cannot support it without a budget commitment for the duplication of Mickleham Road between Somerton and Donnybrook roads. Now, a recent council traffic report showed that we had seen a 54 per cent increase in traffic on that road between 2013 and 2019—an average of 28 000. Will the minister reconsider and include the Mickleham duplication as part of the Craigieburn West precinct structure plan?
Fiona Patten MP
Leader of Reason
Member for Northern Metropolitan Region
Constituency question 16/3/21
Answer:
Mr WYNNE (Richmond—Minister for Planning, Minister for Housing):
I appreciate that capacity upgrades of Mickleham Road and surrounding road networks will be required to better service growth areas in the City of Hume.
Although it is a declared state road and will not form part of the proposed Craigieburn West Infrastructure Contributions Plan, the Craigieburn West Precinct Structure Plan (PSP) planning process has included consideration of the future of Mickleham Road.
The management of Mickleham Road, including its possible duplication, is the responsibility of the Department of Transport. The Victorian Planning Authority is working with the Department of Transport to ensure development of the precinct occurs in line with the necessary road upgrades. The PSP supports the future duplication through matching intersection designs and additional road connectivity within the PSP.
