A third railway station will be built as part of the Mernda rail extension, one more than was promised, after the Andrews government bowed to strong community sentiment.
The station will be built with elevated platforms above what is now parkland near Hawkstowe Parade in South Morang, Australia's fastest-growing suburb over the past 10 years.
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Vic government extends South Morang line
The Victorian government is extending the South Morang train line to Mernda to cater for the significant population growth in Melbourne's north. Video: Level Crossing Removal Authority
On Tuesday morning, the government will announce a third station will be built as part of the project.
Premier Daniel Andrews revealed details on his Facebook page, ahead of a 9am press conference.
More than 8000 commuters a day are expected to use the three new stations when the extension opens in three years' time.
There will be a heavy focus on park-and-ride commuting at the three new stations, with almost 2000 new parking spaces to be built, including 1000 at Mernda's planned town centre alone.
John Holland has been selected to build the rail extension. Work will begin in 2017 and the line is set to open in 2019.
The government said the project would crete 3000 jobs during construction.
Mr Andrews said the rail extension would provide Melbourne's outer north with badly needed public transport.
"The Mernda rail extension will change people's lives for the better – creating work for thousands of people, and connecting one of Australia's fastest growing communities to employment, education and the rest of Victoria," Mr Andrews said.
Darren Peters, a community advocate for increased public transport to Mernda and South Morang, said it was clear a third station should be included in the project now, not at an unknown future date, given the rapid population growth in the area.
"Thanks to the continued pressure from the South Morang and Mernda Rail Alliance, common sense has prevailed and Hawkstowe station will open along with Marymede as part of the Mernda railway extension," Mr Peters said.
"We congratulate the Andrews government on the inclusion of the station and will look closely at other aspects of the final design to ensure they are to the satisfaction of the community."