By Renee Wood
The million dollar revitalisation project for the former Coldstream Station is now a step closer to beginning after Yarra Ranges Councillors approved the draft master plan.
It comes as the Federal Government throws it’s support behind the project, fronting half the costs of $539,680 from it’s Building Better Regions Fund.
It’s now been fully funded, the State Government provided the other half earlier in the year through its Growing Suburbs fund.
Mayor Fiona McAllister is thrilled to see the project get underway to form part of the Yarra Valley Trail.
“This one is extremely important because it offers an opportunity not just for trail users, but more importantly to support residents of Coldstream and provide another opportunity to stop and enjoy and spend time in Coldstream,” Mayor Fiona McAllister said.
Councillor Tim Heenan also agreed residents will reap the benefits.
“This is going to be a great thing for them and I only wish the very best for the Coldstream community. I know they’ll be excited and it’s great to see that the funding has done all the checks and balances and it’s been put to bed and we can get on with building another great community asset for the people of Coldstream,” Councillor Tim Heenan said.
The 2.7 hectare site is where the railway station use to be along the Lilydale to Healesville train line, but it has mostly been unused since the 1990s until 2019 when the Yarra Valley trail connected to the site.
Works will deliver a 300 metre asphalt pump track, timed public toilets, picnic shelter, chairs and tables, landscaping and a larger 30 space car park.
However, Mayor McAllister did raise concerns that road upgrades needed to be completed on Maroondah Highway to ensure safe access for local residents.
“There is a Federal Government commitment of $20 million to upgrade the intersections that will allow for that safe crossing and we’re waiting,” Mayor McAllister said.
In February 2019 the Federal Government allocated the funds to duplicate part of Maroondah Highway in Coldstream and to install traffic lights to make the Highway, Killara Road, Station Street and North Gateway intersections much safer.
Mayor McAllister said she will be advocating for works to begin.
“I foreshadow Councillors that I will bring a motion to a future council meeting for us to start an advocacy campaign towards Vicroads in particular, to get that project started.
“Once we activate this site it will be even more important than ever, and community safety has to be front of mind.
“So I’m very thrilled to have the draft master plan come to us tonight and even more thrilled that we have a big bucket of money to bring it to life. But there are issues in relation to it that we need to have a pretty loud voice on.”
Casey MP Tony Smith said the State Government is responsible for the project’s planning and construction.
“Just like the residents of Coldstream and the Yarra Valley, I look forward to the State Government getting on and completing this important project,” Tony Smith said.
The project is currently in the design phase and the community will be advised of any updates as investigations progress.
A Transport Department spokesperson said, “The Department of Transport is currently investigating options for upgrades along the Maroondah Highway in Coldstream between Melba Highway and Ingram Road.”
