Liam McNally
Melton council has received a petition with more than 300 signatures urging it undertake a third party review of the proposed new road link which forms part of the level crossing removal on the Old Calder Highway.
A number of Diggers Rest residents have raised concerns about the state government’s plan for a road bridge over train line to replace the crossing, the path for which was announced at the beginning of September.
Residents have previously told Star Weekly most are content to see the level crossing go, but there are a number of concerns they feel the state government hadn’t listened to concerning the current proposed path including compulsory acquisition of private property, increased noise and traffic flow in a growing area.
Watts ward councillor Justine Farrugia tabled the petition on behalf of Diggers Rest residents, which asks council to review the proposed path and that council form a position on the adequacy of the conceptual designs.
The petition suggested council’s position should be informed by a Melton council 2014 Local Area Traffic Management (LATM) study that recommended a different bypass connecting the Old Calder Highway to Plumpton Road.
Cr Farrugia moved a further motion for council to write to relevant MPs requesting detailed information on the options considered for the Diggers Rest Level Crossing Removal, including impacts on the community and what consideration was given to the LATM.
“I do hope that there are some considerations for the residents of Diggers Rest, many have expressed their dissatisfaction with this outcome,” she said.
Councillor Sophie Ramsey supported the call.
“This is a very emotive subject for a number of residents and they’re feeling a little bit unheard,” she said.
“Jacinta Allan needs to hear this and hear it loudly, so does Mr Josh Bull. I know that crossing is a dangerous one, but we really need to look at all the alternatives and take everything into consideration.
“I know the timelines have been shortened, but at the end of the day, this community has been crying out now. We’ve had a 300-plus joint letter signed, we’ve had a public meeting of over 80 residents and their concerns need to be listened to.”
Sunbury MP Josh Bull pointed to a government website that includes a rationale for why the current proposed path was chosen, which doesn’t mention the LATM specifically but does say a bridge “connecting to the west of Diggers Rest“ wasn’t desirable as it would increase travel times, divide the town and require more acquisition.
“We have liaised with the community extensively on this matter, and commend their passion and advocacy ensuring that due diligence has been undertaken on the decisions being made for the Diggers Rest Level Crossing Removals,“ he said.
Melton council said council will consider the petition and provide a response at a later date.
