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Councils’ station views submitted Neil Walker neil@baysidenews.com.au PLANS for the long-awaited new train station at Southland shopping centre are taking shape with councils keen to have their say. Kingston and Bayside councils have made public submissions to Public Transport Victoria voicing their concerns about aspects of the $21 million project. Kingston Council welcomed the state government’s investment in the new train station but is concerned pedestrian access to the station platform will solely be through Westfield’s private car park at Southland shopping centre. Council has proposed the station should be moved slightly further north to give access to both ends of the station platform. “We believe this will fundamentally improve access and safety as pedestrians could have better access to Bay Road at the northern end of the platform, or walk safely to Southland through the Jean Street Reserve from the southern end of the platform,” Kingston mayor Cr Geoff Gledhill said. “Under the current plans pedestrians would have to walk through the Southland car park which would create safety issues. Providing appropriate links to buses is also an essential factor.” The potential loss of about 30 car
park spaces at Cheltenham station is also a concern for council. Cr Gledhill said Cheltenham “is the major park-and-ride station in the region”. “We believe addressing the parking issues at Cheltenham as a priority, in tandem with the Southland project, will ensure adequate parking is provided at Cheltenham for commuters while Southland is used as a destination station.” Kingston Council is also pushing for the new train station to be officially named Southland Station to give it “a sense of place”. A state government spokesman told The News the name of the train station is being discussed and has not yet been finalised. Mordialloc Labor MP Tim Richardson said consultation on the new train station at Southland is still open. “We welcome input and views from the community including local councils.” Once complete the new station at Southland will become the fourth busiest station on the Frankston line, with 4000 passengers per day expected to use the station. The former Coalition government failed to build a new train station at Southland in its sole term in power despite having committed $13 million to the project before the 2010 state election. The Labor government hopes the new station will be open by 2017.
Partners in crime prevention: Police discuss public safety at Frankston train station with Police Minister Wade Noonan, centre, and Frankston Labor MP Paul Edbrooke, right. Picture: Yanni
Police push on crime LAW and order was in the spotlight last Thursday when Police Minister Wade Noonan visited Frankston train station to thank police for their work to keep commuters and passerbys safe. Crime statistics show an 18 per cent fall in disorderly and offensive conduct and a 15 per drop in weapons offences last year. “The decrease in public order and security offences reflects the hard work carried out by police in the Frankston area in detecting and preventing these types of crimes,” Mr Noonan said. Labor won government at November’s state election so the majority of the fall in crime in 2014 occurred under the previous Coalition government. Protective services officers (PSOs)
were introduced by the former Napthine government at Frankston train station in August 2013. Police patrolled Frankston beaches over the summer months to combat theft and anti-social behaviour. A police “brawler van” is also now regularly on standby near pubs and clubs to help stop drug and alcoholfuelled fights in Frankston. “Frankston police have responded to community safety issues with several initiatives aimed at problem behaviours where they occur most,” Mr Noonan said. Frankston Labor MP Paul Edbrooke said the $50 million revamp of the Frankston train station precinct and Young St will “ensure all community members feel safe”.
“The precinct is the heart of the Frankston community and we want it to be a state-of-the-art transport hub, encouraging jobs and bringing Chisholm TAFE closer to the community,” he said. Earlier this year, Frankston police inspector Tony Silva told The News there could be a perception that Frankston train station is a dangerous place but crime data showed offences on the Frankston line “is not disproportionate to reported offending on other lines”. “From what we can see, Frankston is no more prone to criminal activity than any other area of the transport network.” Neil Walker
Bringing country to Kingston THE annual Harvest Festival is bringing a little bit of country to Kingston with bluegrass and rockabilly artists performing 11am-10pm, Saturday 9 May, at Roy Dore Reserve, Carrum. The Harvest line up this year includes Australian rockers Boom Crash Opera, alt-country’s Raised by Eagles and blues singer Fiona Boyes and The Fortune Tellers. Mayor Geoff Gledhill said the Harvest Festival - now in its ninth year - was a much-loved annual event and a great day out for people of all ages. “Come and be entertained by nonstop music across two stages, watch chef demonstrations in the Harvest Kitchen and enjoy delicious food, wine and boutique beers,” he said. “We have also got plenty of activities for the kids, including a children’s theatre show, billy cart making
and riding workshops, plus plenty of carnival rides to enjoy. “This is the final event in Kingston Council’s fantastic Season of Festivals and we invite everyone to join us for another great event where our community can gather together and celebrate.” No animals or BYO alcohol are allowed. The Harvest Festival is hosted by Kingston Council. Entry is $2 per person and $5 for families. See kingston.vic.gov.au/harvest or call 1300 653 356 for further information.
Country gal: Marisa Quigley peforming at last year’s Harvest Festival at Roy Dore Reserve. Picture: Gary Sissons
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