Thursday, 14 November 2024

 Nathan LAMBERT (Preston) (17:26): (938) My adjournment matter is for the Minister for Transport Infrastructure, and the action I seek is for the minister to join me in a visit to Keon Park to inspect the new station and the Hughes Parade intersection. It is no exaggeration to say that this particular project is one of the most significant ones ever undertaken in the Keon Park and Merrilands areas. In fact, probably in terms of its size and complexity, it is the most significant ever. It has removed the dangerous and congested level crossing at Keon Parade, which is used by thousands of motorists and cyclists every day. It has delivered a fantastic new station on the south side of Keon Parade. It has delivered a safer Hughes Parade intersection, and it has delivered more bike paths, greener community spaces and thousands of new native plants.

We are very grateful to the team who have worked very hard to make it all happen and who have really become part of that Keon Park community over the last couple of years. Obviously we did not get the chance to meet all of the workers involved – there were hundreds on the project – but I would like to extend our particular thanks to the program director Andrew Pepplinkhouse; the deputy program director Ian Ransley, who put up with many questions regarding the superstructure and screens and native vegetation and other issues; Matt Valvo, whose engineering explanations were greatly appreciated; and the amazing Sarah MacNish, who has moved on to other projects but who made a huge contribution as project manager and also earlier at the Moreland level crossing removal project in the member for Pascoe Vale’s neck of the woods. Of course supporting that leadership team were hundreds of civil construction professionals, including cadets like Tao and Mitch, who we met, and graduates like Sam, who is a graduate of the Melbourne University engineering faculty, and a fine faculty it is, if I can say so.

I would also like to thank the community engagement teams. There is a lot of disruption with these projects. It is important to bring the community with you. There were some issues with the closeness of the Trinity and Cappella apartments, which they continue to work on. They worked with Prace, the Endeavour Foundation, the Johnson Street businesses and the Alawi Islamic Social Centre. Their work actually culminated in a fantastic community day where 2500 people attended and enjoyed free rides, games, food and coffee and some great musical acts, including the Darebin Brass Band, the best brass band in the state. Thank you to Ali, Georgia, Jo, Amelia, Steph, Saskia and the whole team, and a special shout-out to Reservoir local Steve.

While the major works are complete, there are still matters to work through, and the minister’s visit, if he is able to do so, will be a chance to both reflect on the great work undertaken to date, but also to pick up on some of those continuing matters. We thank the minister very much for his consideration.