Glen Eira City Council welcomes the State Government’s $3 million investment to plan and design a major new tram route from Caulfield to Rowville.

Announced as part of the 2018–19 State Budget, this project will link Chadstone shopping centre and Monash University’s Clayton campus to the tram network for the first time.

Glen Eira Mayor Cr Tony Athanasopoulos said Council is pleased with this investment as increased traffic congestion continues to be one of the areas of highest concern to the local community.

“Council is currently developing a new Integrated Transport Strategy to do what it can to address these concerns,” he said.

In addition to this ─ six months out from the state election — the Greens have released a $5 billion transport strategy, which includes the allocation of funds to upgrade Caulfield Station to build better connections between platforms, and offer improved access to surrounding bus and tram stops.

Cr Tony Athanasopoulos said the strategy aligns with Council’s recently adopted Advocacy Strategy 2018–2020, which outlines a significant upgrade to Caulfield Station and its wider precinct.

“As part of its lobbying activities, Council is requesting an investment from the State Government to improve pedestrian access to the Monash and Caulfield Racecourse precincts, improve local traffic management and increase parking for those who travel to the station,” he said.

Cr Tony Athanasopoulos said both of these future projects will provide a significant benefit to our community.

“From less congestion to higher participation of walking, cycling and public transport, there will be more time for family and socialising, better public health outcomes and less pollution/carbon emissions,” he said.