Tuesday, 8 September 2026

 Renee HEATH (Eastern Victoria) presented a petition bearing 4242 signatures:

The petition of certain citizens of the State of Victoria draws to the attention of the Legislative Council the urgent need to restore and extend the Cranbourne to Koo Wee Rup rail line. Since the last passenger service in 1993, the region has seen rapid population growth and housing expansion. The City of Casey, through which the disused line runs, is projected to grow by 59 per cent by 2041. Yet public transport options have not kept pace with increasing urban sprawl. Existing bus services are infrequent, unreliable, and lack the capacity to service new estates and outer communities. Many residents are left with no practical alternative to driving. Restoring and extending the Cranbourne to Koo Wee Rup rail line would ease road pressure, provide sustainable transport choices, and deliver critical infrastructure to support the Victorian Government’s housing and growth targets. It would reconnect communities, reduce emissions, and improve quality of life for thousands of families across the region. An extension of just fifteen more kilometres is modest, especially when compared to the extensive rebuilds seen across other metro lines as part of level crossing works.

The petitioners therefore request that the Legislative Council Call on the Government to prioritise and fund the restoration and extension of the Cranbourne to Koo Wee Rup rail line.