Wednesday, 22 March 2023

Sunshine super-hub

Moira DEEMING (Western Metropolitan) presented a petition bearing 366 signatures:

The Petition of certain citizens of the State of Victoria draws to the attention of the Legislative Council concerns about the Sunshine Station Masterplan, in particular the closure of the Hampshire Road overpass ramps to cars so that it can be used exclusively for active transport.

The ramp gradients are too steep, long and unsuitable for disabled users, elderly, parents with prams, children, and those carrying loads. The Australian standards for walkway gradients allow a maximum gradient of 1:14. Both ramps are non-compliant with the southern section being 1:12 and with landings, approximately 1:10.7.

The proposal will cater to the fittest few, to the detriment and exclusion of most community members. A compliant shared crossing providing access for all abilities is necessary to fill the missing connection between City Place, eastern Sunshine and the CBD.

The northbound ramp has approximately 600 vehicle movements per hour. This traffic being forced through a street network in the southern Sunshine CBD will cause major congestion and frustration. It is not practical, efficient or environmentally friendly. It will create a high stress and unsafe driving environment. The traffic changes are only considered because of the proposed northbound ramp closure.

This proposal will divide Sunshine further.

The petitioners therefore request that the Legislative Council call on the Government to withdraw the Sunshine Station Masterplan proposal and reopen the community consultation process to allow for consideration of alternative accessible means to facilitate active transport routes that are inclusive of all community members while maintaining the overpass’ current utilisation.