The pressing need for a rail connection to Doncaster is finally receiving state attention, as shown in a recently released State Government planning strategy. Known as 'Plan Melbourne', the document is available online, and features blueprints and a comprehensive report pertaining to the Napthine Government's vision for the city of Melbourne over the course of the next 35 years. The state Government expects that by 2050, the population of Melbourne will increase by 2.5 million people. Based on this calculation, the city will require over one million additional residential dwellings. Around 60% of these are likely to be in the form of units or apartments within Melbourne's established suburbs. The document also outlines the Government's plan to improve public transport, such as developing long-awaited rail lines to Doncaster, Rowville, as well as Melbourne and Avalon airports. This is in line with Premier Denis Napthine's aim to create a '20-minute city', where new transport routes will decrease travel times to and from the city, raising potential for both homebuyers and jobseekers. Planning Minister Matthew Guy confirmed that Plan Melbourne will support councils' efforts to increase residential developments, such as those in the Eastern suburbs. Developments on Doncaster Hill are already underway, with the aim of creating over 4,000 new residential apartments, as well as 30,000 square metres for commercial and retail use. Stretching approximately 60 hectares from the central point of the Westfield shopping centre, the Doncaster Hill area forms a key part of the Manningham Council's 20-year strategy for greater sustainability. Other aspects of this project include plans for the creation of more public open space and the redevelopment of the Eastern Hill Golf Club site. In terms of the government's plan for the new Doncaster rail line, the Manningham Council has supported two proposed options. The first of these would feature a route along the Eastern Freeway to Collingwood, with two additional stations at Bulleen and the Doncaster Park and Ride. The second would provide an underground link through to Parkville, lending access to Melbourne University and the hospital precinct. Further suggestions by the Council regarding these transport routes include the addition of a station at Burke Road, connections with the North Balwyn and Camberwell tram routes, more detailed modelling in relation to cyclists and pedestrians and an extension of the new rail line leading to Doncaster Hill. By linking the Doncaster rail straight to the heart of the new developments, this will maximise the number of transport routes to the bustling cosmopolitan centre, increasing its viability and making the area more desirable for property investment. Both commercial and residential prospects are likely to increase with accessibility, ensuring a brighter future for the Manningham area.

• published: 19 Nov 2013
• views: 6