Tuesday, 17 February 2026

 Sonja TERPSTRA (North-Eastern Metropolitan) (17:52): (2310) My adjournment matter this evening is for the minister for transport in the other place, and the action I seek is for the minister to provide an update on how the community can have their say and help shape the designs for the Ruthven Street, Macleod level crossing removal project. The Allan Labor government has already removed 88 dangerous and congested level crossings across Melbourne, and we are well on track to reach our commitment of removing 110 level crossings by 2030. This program is one of the largest rail infrastructure undertakings in Victoria’s history. It is delivering safer and more reliable journeys and is supporting more than 6000 jobs at the peak of construction, with more than 104 million hours of work completed so far. The work is not only transforming our transport network; it is making it safer. We know that, because that is what the data tells us: removing dangerous and congested level crossings is preventing 110 level crossing accidents and near misses every single year. That is an extraordinary outcome and a clear demonstration of why this project matters for all Victorians. Removing the Ruthven Street, Macleod level crossing will also bring significant benefits to the Macleod community. Getting rid of this well-known bottleneck will ease congestion and improve safety on local roads. Right now, boom gates are down for around 30 minutes during the morning peak, and removing the crossing will give that time back to residents and commuters and make travel smoother, safer and more predictable.