Wednesday, 16 October 2024

 Brad ROWSWELL (Sandringham) (14:45): (840) My question is to the Minister for Public and Active Transport. Over the past four weeks many residents have written to me voicing concerns regarding the construction of a 2-metre-high cyclone fence along the rail corridor between Hampton and Sandringham from Crisp to Bridge streets. This fence was installed without community consultation and has frustrated locals. One resident likened the fence to that of a prison. Others are upset that the fencing hinders the ability of volunteers to conserve the local environment. Residents have questioned the need for this fence given there were existing barriers to discourage people from crossing the tracks. At a time when the Allan Labor government’s debt is on track to surpass $188 billion, my constituents have the view that this is a waste of public funds. I therefore ask: will the minister explain the rationale of this fence, given legitimate community anxiety about the preservation of the local environment where volunteers can no longer access the area?