Tuesday, 15 October 2024

 Richard WELCH (North-Eastern Metropolitan) (13:08): (1145) My constituency question is for the Minister for the Suburban Rail Loop. Box Hill Gardens is a beautiful garden. It is used for tai chi, table tennis, basketball, walking and of course running. During the commencement of the SRL works they have cut off a solid third of that park, compressing all of the activity into the remaining space. A key victim of this is the running track that runs through and around the perimeter, as this is the part that is clearly marked in red. It is an important track. I note that new roads in Watsonia and Bulleen for the North East Link can be laid overnight; when it comes to works for the community, it seems to take a lot longer. The asphalt and barriers in the Box Hill Gardens went up over a weekend. I would like to see this running path restored as promised. Will the minister commit to working with the Whitehorse council to fund and complete the rerouting of the running track in Box Hill Gardens immediately with the same efficiency that they remove roads, create barriers and remove trees?