Tuesday, 7 March 2023

 Will FOWLES (Ringwood) (14:37): (53) My constituency question is directed to the Minister for Transport and Infrastructure. Minister, how will the level crossing removal authority support local traders, residents and commuters as the Andrews Labor government removes Ringwood’s last dangerous and congested level crossings? It is certainly a worrying time to be a level crossing in Melbourne’s east. Come May the entire stretch of railway between Ringwood and the city will be level crossing free. It is a huge win for the community and local commuters and is only possible thanks to the Andrews Labor government. But there is more to do, and the congested Dublin Road, Ringwood East, and Bedford Road, Ringwood, crossings are next on the list. In the process we will be building a new Ringwood East station, extending the Heathmont rail trail to Bedford Park and creating new open community space. While there will be some short-term disruption, the Level Crossing Removal Project is upping their game on every new project they undertake. I look forward to hearing how we will be supporting traders, residents and commuters as we make Ringwood level crossing free.