Wednesday, 22 February 2023

 Kat THEOPHANOUS (Northcote) (14:34): (31) My question is to the Minister for Public Transport, and I ask for the latest information on the major public transport upgrades underway in the Northcote electorate. Last year I was proud to let my community know that the Andrews Labor government will invest in much-needed upgrades to both the Merri and Thornbury stations. We will deliver improvements like new boarding ramps, new tactile ground surface indicators and upgrades to the PA system and CCTV.

I was also thrilled to announce funding to begin critical planning work for more accessible tram stops along the 86 line on High Street, north of Separation Street. The dearth of accessible tram stops along this Northcote–Thornbury–Preston corridor is something I have raised in this chamber before on behalf of my community. There are currently around 20 consecutive stops with no level access, and it is having real impacts on the everyday lives of residents. Having an accessible and safe public transport network, particularly for people with mobility issues, young families, older residents or just those lugging their weekly shop, should be a given. My community would greatly benefit from an update on where these critical projects are up to and the next steps for seeing them completed.