Northern councils call on residents to share transport struggles
Published on 07 October 2025
A major transport campaign spanning seven councils in Melbourne's north – including Banyule – is calling on all locals to speak up about the real impacts of inadequate and unreliable transport in their daily lives.
Launched on 4 October 2025, the Connect Melbourne's North campaign brings together the municipalities of Banyule, Darebin, Hume, Merri-bek, Mitchell, Nillumbik and Whittlesea, in a push for urgently needed investment in public transport, connectivity and active transport networks across the fast-growing region.
Community members are being asked to visit Connect Melbourne's North and record their experiences, whether that’s waiting too long for buses, sitting in daily traffic jams or being cut off from work, education or medical appointments due to limited transport options.
From overloaded roads across our region, to unsafe bike links and inadequate services in rural areas, and lack of connected services in our inner suburbs, each council has highlighted its local issues. But they share a common goal: better transport for everyone in Melbourne's north.
Chair of the Northern Councils Alliance and Mayor of Merri-bek, Cr Helen Davidson, said community voices would help power the next stage of advocacy.
"Our region is one of the fastest growing in the country, yet our transport network hasn't kept up. This campaign is about amplifying local voices and showing decision-makers that transport in Melbourne’s north can’t wait. We need more than words – we need commitment and investment," Cr Davidson said.
Mayor of Banyule, Cr Elizabeth Nealy, added her support to the campaign, urging locals to share their experiences.
"While Banyule is an established area, you can't ignore the rapid growth occurring across Melbourne's North. The roads, rail network and active-travel options all need improving."
"Locally, we're pushing for a better solution to the problematic Civic Drive roundabout in Greensborough, a permanent extension to the truck curfews in the North-East, and completing the shared user path between Macleod station and Rosanna station," Cr Nealy said.
The campaign is advocating for improvements including:
- an efficient, connected bus network that matches how people live and work
- investment in rail projects like the Upfield Line extension and Wollert rail
- safer walking and cycling paths linked across Council boundaries
- east-west connectivity to improve access to jobs and services
- better access to health infrastructure such as the Northern Hospital.
- Investment in large road projects such as Hume Freeway extension and the Outer Metropolitan Ring OMR/E6.
Residents, workers and business owners are encouraged to visit the campaign website and add their voice to the call for change.
Share your story today
Connect Melbourne's North: It’s time to transform our transport.
Contact:
NCA-realated questions: Melissa Atallah melissa.atallah@northerncouncils.org.au or 0439 660 993
Banyule-related questions: Glenn Frisch glenn.frisch@banyule.vic.gov.au or 0478 280 470