Thursday, 3 August 2023

South-Eastern Metropolitan Region

Ann-Marie HERMANS (South-Eastern Metropolitan) (12:47): (313) My constituency question is to the Minister for Transport and Infrastructure in the other place. The permanent closure of the access from Progress Street to Princes Highway in Dandenong will severely affect local businesses and stakeholders. Removing a level crossing with such a cheap, ill-thought-out option, as in blocking the road, is only going to frustrate road users. Concerns from locals have resulted in the tabling of a petition in the other house of over 1000 signatures, which I might add was taken in 48 hours. Initial estimates show a 20 per cent devaluation of properties, amounting to $100 million in actual cash losses, and a $15 million to $30 million loss in productivity and fuel costs a year. Will the minister advise the house whether the government is going to compensate the owners of the properties and businesses affected by the development of the Progress Street level crossing works?