Wednesday, 8 March 2023

Pakenham electorate level crossing removals

Emma VULIN (Pakenham) (19:16): (88) My adjournment is for the Deputy Premier in her capacity as Minister for Transport and Infrastructure. The action I seek from the Deputy Premier is to join me in visiting Pakenham station to see the progress that has been made towards making my electorate level crossing free. The Andrews Labor government is committing to removing the most dangerous and congested level crossings in our state, with 67 level crossings removed and the goal of removing 110 by 2030. I am proud of the work this state government is doing to make the Pakenham line level crossing free by 2025.

At the state election last year my community voted to return a government they knew had a strong record of delivering on the critical infrastructure that growing communities need. In my electorate work is underway on removing the level crossings at McGregor Road, Main Street and Racecourse Road, with the three boom gates to be gone for good in 2024. I am delighted that they will be removed 12 months earlier than originally planned. Removing these level crossings will improve safety, reduce road congestion and allow more trains to run on the network, getting people to their destinations faster.

It is fantastic to see how fast our construction workers are building this critical piece of infrastructure. By building the 2.5-kilometre rail bridge over these roads, it will create more than six MCGs worth of open space for our local community to enjoy. It is important to take this opportunity to remind our local communities to support local businesses here during the works, and I look forward to the minister coming out to have a look at the progress.