Tuesday, 21 March 2023

Railway House, Beaconsfield

Emma VULIN (Pakenham) (19:03): (102) I raise a matter for the Minister for Transport and Infrastructure regarding the former stationmaster’s house at Beaconsfield station. The action I seek is for the minister to ensure the protection of the Beaconsfield stationmaster’s house and the adjacent bunya-bunya pine tree while removing the dangerous and congested level crossing at Station Street in Beaconsfield. The community is concerned that the project may require the demolition of the house, which could see the loss of a historic and beautiful house that is valued highly by the community.

The Beaconsfield stationmaster’s house was built in 1888, and at that time a bunya-bunya pine tree was planted. The removal of the level crossing at Beaconsfield is an important part of making the Pakenham line level crossing free by 2025, making way for the opening of the Metro Tunnel. It is impressive that the entire line will be level crossing free and that as a result, communities will be safer and our roads and rail will be less congested and more efficient. I ask the Minister for Transport and Infrastructure to assist in preserving the Beaconsfield stationmaster’s house while delivering improved rail services for my community and those surrounding it.