Thursday, 21 March 2024

Preston level crossing removal

Evan MULHOLLAND (Northern Metropolitan) (18:10): (816) My adjournment tonight is seeking the action of the Minister for Transport Infrastructure, and it concerns an issue raised with me regarding the Preston level crossing removal project. Mr Phillip Tsagaratos reached out to me concerned that he has not been treated fairly by the level crossing removal authority, contrary to claims made by the former Premier and the current one that residents would be treated with dignity and respect. He has been ignored by his local Labor MP also.

Mr Tsagaratos purchased a home next to his childhood home in a quiet cul-de-sac only to have his neighbouring childhood home as well as another home compulsorily acquired. This has left him living right next to an emergency stairwell and a large playground alongside his property, which brings significant noise in stark contrast to the peaceful quiet he had previously enjoyed. Further, he is not of the belief that there was appropriate local consultation in relation to this playground. Level Crossing Removal Project newsletters do not even seem to feature a playground. Mr Tsagaratos believes the value of his property may have been reduced by as much as 20 per cent as a result of the level crossing removal.

We can all see the value in level crossing removals, but similarly I think we can agree that locals should be treated fairly and those adversely affected should receive appropriate remedies. The action I seek is for the minister to engage with affected locals like Mr Tsagaratos with the aim of resolving their concerns and for the minister to explain his position on the fairness of people having the value of their homes, which they have worked their entire lives for, severely impacted.