Constituency questions
Caulfield electorate
David SOUTHWICK (Caulfield) (14:53): (120) My question is to the Minister for Transport and Infrastructure. Glen Huntly traders are on their knees at the moment. We have been advocating strongly for the removal of the Glen Huntly level crossing, and I am glad that is being done. Unfortunately, many of those traders, some of which have been there for 15-plus years, have never seen it so bad because of the interruptions. The minister has been ignoring calls to actually meet and to talk about how they can be supported through this. This is a very unique infrastructure project because it is a tram being removed at the same time as a train, and the actual street has been closed off pretty much for 10 weeks. Many of these traders are saying that this is worse than even COVID in terms of what they are seeing and the impact on those small businesses. These small businesses are on their knees. They desperately need the support. The last thing we need is these small businesses to close, and I ask what will the minister be doing to assist these small businesses, and will she meet with them to help support them through these very difficult times?