Halt the closure of Progress Street in Dandenong South

The Petition of certain citizens of the State of Victoria draws to the attention of the Legislative Council that the Level Crossing Removal Authority (LXRA) has announced that it is removing the level crossing in Progress Street, Dandenong South. To do this, it will be permanently closing Progress Street.

The closure of this vital and extremely busy access to the vibrant Dandenong South industrial estate will be very dangerous and detrimental to local businesses and workers. Unlike all other level crossing removals across Melbourne, no rail or road bridge is to be built. By closing Progress Street and permanently removing direct access to the Princes Highway and the Monash Freeway, businesses in Progress Street and the surrounding industrial estate will incur many millions of dollars in additional transport costs and delays.

It will also create an enormous amount of road congestion in nearby streets and possibly force some businesses to close. Traffic will be forced to use Fowler Road for access, a road that is too narrow and unsuitable for the increased traffic volumes.

No provision for pedestrian or bicycle access is included in the LXRA’s plans, also adding to the danger. The LXRA is not solving traffic problems with its approach, but rather creating traffic problems and increasing the risk to pedestrians and cyclists who use this area. Halting the closure of Progress Street and leaving the existing level crossing in place will enable continued safe and efficient access to the area and protect the hundreds of jobs and businesses which are being unnecessarily put at risk.

The petitioners therefore request that the Legislative Council call on the Government to halt the announced closure of Progress Street, Dandenong South and to leave the existing level crossing in place.