Tuesday, 15 October 2024

North-Eastern Metropolitan Region

Aiv PUGLIELLI (North-Eastern Metropolitan) (13:01): (1138) My question today is to the Minister for Public and Active Transport, and it relates to the urgent need for a safe pedestrian rail crossing at Coolabah Reserve in Eltham. Our community – over 500 people – have requested a formal crossing to connect Coolabah Reserve with the Eltham North adventure playground and Eltham North Primary School. Currently the 1.9-kilometre stretch of road from Wattletree Road to Allendale Road has no pedestrian crossings, isolating the eastern residential area from essential services and facilities. This of course poses safety risks for children, limits walkability and increases traffic congestion. Despite strong community support and alignment with the Victorian infrastructure strategy, no action to date has been taken. There is, however, already an informal sort of dirt track going up and across the rail lines; people are already crossing frequently at this point, which is just not safe. It is time to make a formal and safe crossing for this community. Minister, will you commit to building a safe pedestrian rail crossing at Coolabah Reserve to enhance community safety and connectivity?