The Lilydale Major Activity Centre has a rich history and an extensive variety of existing community facilities, open spaces, commercial and industrial activities, as well as significant opportunity for growth. The Lilydale activity centre also encompasses the former Lilydale Quarry that will be developed for a new community of approximately 8,000 people who will rely on and interact with the broader activity centre.
The Lilydale Structure Plan was adopted by Council in 2022, setting a 20-year vision for a series of fully functioning 20-minute neighbourhoods. Several projects now require the support of the Victorian Government to deliver.
The Lilydale Bypass
As a project of strategic importance, the proposed Bypass could allow Main Street and other parts of the township to transition away from being a busy throughfare for private cars to a quieter, high-quality ‘green’ environment that supports more local activity and a range of transport options.
Cave Hill Station and track lowering
The proposed Cave Hill station site is located between Mooroolbark station and Lilydale station adjacent to the housing development currently under construction within the former Lilydale Quarry site. Research has shown the ongoing need for the station, with over 3,000 new dwellings under development in the 800m catchment of the proposed station as well as existing mixed-use surrounds.
Victorian rail standards indicate that new stations must be located on straight track with a gradient no steeper than 1 in 200 (0.05%). To achieve this, it will be necessary to carry out track lowering at the site
Rail duplication
Council advocates for the duplication of the track from Mooroolbark to Lilydale, in conjunction with construction of Cave Hill station. Duplicating the track would remove a significant bottleneck along this rail line, deliver greater service capability that builds on the level crossing removal project, better service the growing population and improve connectivity with other public transport services.
Lilydale Heritage Railway Station
Commit $300,000 (minimum) for the upgrading of the heritage Lilydale Railway Station building, to a standard that is fit for purpose for community use and meets DDA access standards.
Upgrade of intersection bridge
Congestion at the intersection of Hull Road and Mooroolbark Road has been found to be significantly compromised by the single lane railway bridge under the Lilydale railway line. The Department of Transport has determined the ultimate solution to this issue is a new road under rail bridge, as a state-funded and -delivered project.