Tuesday, 17 June 2025

Chelsea station pedestrian safety

Rachel PAYNE (South-Eastern Metropolitan) presented a petition bearing 1258 signatures:

The Petition of certain citizens of the State of Victoria draws the attention of the Legislative Council the following regarding access between Chelsea station and the shops on Nepean Hwy:

1. Most Chelsea residents live east of the Station St/Frankston line/Nepean Hwy corridor. The shopping strip and beach are west of this corridor.

2. Chelsea station was rebuilt in 2021 as part of level crossing removals in the area.

3. The new station features a bus interchange, footbridge, lifts and central exits. A pedestrian crossing near these on the Station Street side was built.

4. However a pedestrian crossing adjacent to the footbridge, lifts and central station exit on the Nepean Hwy side was not built.

5. Instead people must backtrack via a narrow, unsheltered and unshaded fenced path to alternative pedestrian crossings well to the south or north.

6. Some people do not feel safe on this path or are physically unable to walk the added distance. Others jump the fence to avoid backtracking.

7. A direct crossing would increase visits to the shops, encourage activity especially amongst seniors and reduce risky fence-jumping.

The Petitioners therefore request that the Legislative Council calls on the Government to build a signalised pedestrian crossing on Nepean Hwy Chelsea near the station’s lift and footbridge to provide direct access to shops and services that residents and visitors need.

Rachel PAYNE: I move:

That the petition be taken into consideration on the next day of meeting.

Motion agreed to.