HUNTLY residents can expect a new train station close to home by the middle of the year as construction continues on the fast-tracked project.<\/p>\n
Transport minister and Bendigo East MP Jacinta Allan said work on the second station in the Bendigo Metro 3 project was well on track.<\/p>\n
\u201cHot on the heels of Goornong Station opening at the end of last year, we\u2019re seeing tremendous progress here at Huntly with the construction of the new station,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
The project was originally scheduled for completion later this year or next year, but intensive works have brought the date forward.<\/p>\n
Ms Allan said progress was \u201cpowering on\u201d at the station despite COVID challenges like labour or materials shortages which continue to affect businesses across the state.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe work really hard all the time, whether there\u2019s a pandemic or not, to get our projects completed as quickly as we possibly can and when it comes to rail projects that often involves shutting the line for a period of time so an intensive period of work can be done,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
The latest works at the Wakeman Road site include installation of preformed concrete panels to build the station platform, and earthworks.<\/p>\n
Once complete, the station will include seating and shelter, bike hoops, a car park with lighting and CCTV, and a bus stop with two bays.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat\u2019s really important\u2026 is that the station will be here as the houses are coming along,\u201d Ms Allan said.<\/p>\n
City of Greater Bendigo mayor Cr Andrea Metcalf said she expected significant residential development in the growing suburb, with the region\u2019s population expected to hit 200,000 by 2050.<\/p>\n
\u201cHuntly has been a growth area for the City of Greater Bendigo probably for the last five years and I\u2019d expect it to be for the next five years as well,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere\u2019s huge amount of area to grow and build new houses out this way.\u201d<\/p>\n