Wednesday, 18 March 2026

 Richard WELCH (North-Eastern Metropolitan) (12:59): (2242) My constituency question is for the Minister for Public and Active Transport. Community groups in my electorate have contacted me to raise concerns around the inadequate access at Watsonia station. Access to the station is currently provided via a ramp from a pedestrian bridge over the rail line, and residents have raised concerns that this ramp is not compliant with modern disability access standards. There is currently only a single access route, which the Banyule City Council has raised safety concerns on, revolving around crime prevention through an environmental design perspective, as passengers leaving the trains have limited options to safely exit the station area. At a time when we are doing major works in the area, this is a really great opportunity to address this, so I would ask the minister if he will investigate and look into this and actually act on and provide proper disability access and safer entry for my constituents.