Moorabool will ask the state government about plans for removal of a busy level crossing at Bacchus Marsh Railway Station, raising concerns around safety as the region’s population expands.
At the June 4 council meeting, councillor Steve Venditti-Taylor raised the motion, which called for council to write to state and federal transport ministers asking what their plans are for removing the level crossing at Parwan Road and Grant Street.
According to Cr Venditti-Taylor, the area where the crossing is located includes two large high schools, a train station, and two of the largest sporting clubs in Moorabool all on the same corner.
He said over 20,000 cars and 1000 trucks pass through the area per day.
“What is the long-term plan to reduce the impact to the community and long-term plan to ease congestion from increased housing and increase in traffic from right across Victoria[?]” Cr Venditti-Taylor asked.
“With 110 level crossing removals by 2030, how does this not find itself on that list as one of the most dangerous, with the increase in trains and congestion … and [as] one of the most vital for the growth and traffic flow for Bacchus Marsh[?]”
According to organisation Informed Decisions (.id), which provides population forecast data to Moorabool, the population forecast of Bacchus Marsh and surrounds is expected to grow to 55,566 by 2046.
The state government was contacted for comment.
