Australia is likely to head to a Federal Election in the first half of this year.

While we have put in a comprehensive State Pre-Budget Submission for 2025-26, we highlight below some key advocacy points with Federal relevance.

NORTH Link calls on Government and Opposition Parties to:

• Work with the Victorian Government to provide planning certainty for the Beveridge Intermodal Precinct and relevant infrastructure to bring the precinct alive

• Support planning and establishment of Food Manufacturing and Export Hub at the 51-hectare vacant site adjoining the Melbourne Market

• Support the Banyule and Darebin City Council application for funds under the Commonwealth Government’s Urban Precincts and Partnerships Program to develop a business case for funding to establish the Northern Innovation and Sustainability Precinct (NISP), based on the Heidelberg Health Precinct, La Trobe University, Heidelberg West Business Park and Northland.

• As part of its Cities initiatives, support precinct development aligned with industry, jobs and housing priorities in precincts such as Broadmeadows, Brunswick, Coburg, Epping, Preston, Reservoir, the NISP and other centres.

• Continue to support Melbourne Airport’s growth in a curfew-free environment.

• Support transformational public transport initiatives, including:
  – a rail extension to Wollert.
  – a fast bus route mimicking the Suburban Rail Loop (SRL) to bring radial transport benefits ahead of the planned SRL opening in Melbourne’s north.
  – a feasibility study on the Upfield-Somerton Link/Upfield Line duplication.
  – a Bus Rapid Transit and public bus network expansion for improved workforce access across Melbourne’s north.
  – Wallan Rail Electrification, including new stations at Cloverton MAC and Beveridge

• Support roads for a growing population in Melbourne’s outer north as follows:
  – expand the capacity of the Hume Freeway to support future need
  – support E6/Outer Metropolitan Ring Road planning and investment to link this precinct to the North-East Link and the western suburbs in the future
  – invest in transport upgrades, including east-west road networks such as Donnybrook Road, Gunns Gully Road and Beveridge Road.

• Plan for health, education and other social infrastructure to be located at Cloverton MAC, including a new Outer North Hospital, as well as power, water and telecommunications utilities for new suburbs and business precincts and Beveridge and Cloverton stations

• Provide a funding plan for primary care in Melbourne’s north, with consideration of planning for population growth in the outer north.

• Support environmental initiatives such as Greening Melbourne’s North, Northern Trails and EV charging infrastructure.

• Take costs out for businesses, particularly manufacturers, seeking to compete in a difficult economic environment