Background
The Doncaster Rail Study is an independent investigation into heavy rail connection from the Melbourne CBD to Doncaster.
$6.5 million has been allocated to examine a number of options for a high quality heavy rail link for communities within the Manningham, Boroondara, Yarra, Whitehorse, Banyule and Maroondah municipalities.
Doncaster is an important commercial and civic centre within Melbourne’s North East and the City of Manningham. Although there has been significant growth in patronage of recently upgraded bus services from Doncaster to the CBD, the City of Manningham remains the only metropolitan Melbourne municipality without train or tram services.
Investigations into a Doncaster Rail line will be undertaken in the context of a broader network development strategy – noting other planning initiatives committed to by the government including the Melbourne Airport Rail Link Study and Rowville Rail Feasibility Study.
Funding and Timing
The Victorian Government has provided $6.5 million for the Doncaster Rail Study which will be delivered in two phases during a 2 year period.
This independent study constitutes Phase One, and will be completed in 2012. Phase Two will develop more detailed proposals subject to the findings of Phase One and be completed in 2012- 2013.
Study Areas
Route alignment identification
A broad range of route options will be identified and analysed, within the broader integrated transport network. Environmental, social and land use impacts will be considered with input from the community and stakeholders taken into account.
The broad range of route options identified by the study team will be filtered to a medium list of options, with the options having the greatest potential to meet the overall project objectives to be short-listed. Any route selection will give consideration to longer term extensions easterly beyond Doncaster.
Network and engineering implications
Alignment options will be developed in the context of the broader network. Network implications that will be examined include geographic coverage, trip generation assessed against operational fit, other potential opportunities and constraints, including engineering and environmental opportunities and constraints.
Station Locations
Key nodes for station locations along each corridor will be identified that integrate with activity centres and/or provide urban regeneration opportunities. Input from the local community will be sought as part of location considerations.
Consultation and Communication
A key part of the study is to engage with key stakeholders, business, industry, transport operators and the community.
Early engagement will add value to the study process through assessing the community’s travel needs and their perspective on current and future transport requirements for the local area and surrounds.
A range of engagement tools and techniques will be used as part of the study process, including:
- Key Stakeholder meetings
- Community workshops
- Ideas booths
- Targeted interviews
- Online engagement
- Publicity
- Promotion
In addition to online forums and information sessions, the community will be given the opportunity to provide feedback on the Draft Recommendations Report, which will be considered for incorporation into the final Recommendations Report.
Study Team
The Doncaster Rail Study consists of a partnership of four key engineering firms lead by URS, with a number of supporting sub-contractors. They are:
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URS is a leading provider of engineering, environmental and technical services for government agencies and private sector companies with approximately 56,000 employees worldwide. URS offers integrated project and construction management; planning, design and engineering; social impact assessment; business advisory and international development services. |
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AECOM is a global provider of professional technical and management support services to a broad range of markets. |
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Aurecon provides world-class engineering, management and specialist technical services to government and private sector clients. With around 7,000 staff and over 80 offices worldwide, Aurecon has a presence in Australia, New Zealand, Africa, Southeast Asia, China, and the Middle East. |
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Sinclair Knight Merz (SKM) is a leading projects firm, with global capability in strategic consulting, design and delivery. It operates in three regions: Asia Pacific, the Americas and EMEA (Europe, Middle East & Africa), deploying some 6,500 people from more than 40 offices while serving the Buildings and Infrastructure, Mining and Metals, Power and Energy and Water and Environment sectors. |
More information
For more information about the Doncaster Rail Study, including Frequently Asked Questions, visit the Publications page.