Wednesday, 30 October 2024

 Rachel PAYNE (South-Eastern Metropolitan) (12:58): (1199) My constituency question is for the Minister for Roads and Road Safety. My constituent is a Chelsea resident and volunteers with a community group who dedicate their spare time to advocating for accessible local amenities. One such amenity is Chelsea train station. While the level crossing removal has improved traffic flow, pedestrian access from the station’s entrance to Chelsea’s retail precinct is now hampered by metal barriers. Commuters exiting the station must now walk 700 metres to the nearest crossing. For some this might be a minor inconvenience, but for many elderly residents and those with physical disabilities this has created a major accessibility issue. Current ABS data suggests that nearly one-third of Chelsea residents are aged over 55, with 32 per cent of residents suffering one or more chronic health conditions. Such a large cohort of our community should not be an afterthought. My constituent asks: will the minister ensure the installation of a pedestrian crossing at the main entrance to Chelsea station?