Project overview

The Victorian Government’s Suburban Rail Loop (SRL) is a city-shaping project that will transform Melbourne’s public transport system, connecting suburbs and creating opportunities in great places.

Sir William Fry Reserve in Cheltenham on the Bayside/Kingston border has been selected as the location of the SRL anchor station.

Council is providing strong input to the Suburban Rail Loop Authority to advocate on behalf of the Bayside community. We want to minimise impacts from the construction of the new station and maximise the opportunity to improve sustainable, efficient, and connected public transport across and onward from Bayside.

The first stage of the SRL is the south-east segment from Cheltenham to Box Hill. Initial works for Stage One commenced in 2022, with commissioning of the railway expected by 2035.

Council’s Suburban Rail Loop Advocacy Action Plan will guide our efforts to advocate on behalf of the Bayside community.

Our Advocacy Action Plan outlines the positive outcomes Council is seeking for the Bayside community from the Suburban Rail Loop (SRL) Stage One: Cheltenham to Box Hill.

The plan will be reviewed throughout the different stages to ensure actions remain relevant for the life of the project. The plan outlines the focus of Council’s effort, actions and engagement.

Council will seek to work with the City of Kingston, Suburban Rail Loop Authority, Department of Transport, Department of Land, Water and Planning as well as other relevant government agencies, organisations and the community to achieve positive outcomes for Bayside.

The advocacy priorities are aligned with the Community Vision 2050 and Council adopted Strategic Plans and Policies.

The SRL are moving into Stage 2 – Precinct Structure Planning.

The SRL Precinct discussions paper was released in October 2023 and more recently, the draft SRL Precinct Visions was released for community engagement on 4 December 2023 and was open for feedback until 4 March 2024.