Line shutdown ‘pain’ on way Neil Walker neil@baysidenews.com.au FRANKSTON line commuters face short-term travel pain for long-term gain with sections of the railway tracks set to be closed for weeks on end while level crossings are removed. Eleven level crossings along the Frankston line are earmarked to have their intersection between road and rail separated to stop traffic delays and allow Metro Trains to eventually run more train services. The Bentleigh, Ormond and McKinnon stations will be demolished and rebuilt from November next year and are expected to reopen in February 2017. Trains will run between Frankston and Moorabbin stations during a planned
34-day line shutdown near the three stations. Passengers heading into Melbourne will be forced to take buses from Moorabbin train station to Glenhuntley station and also make a swap to bus travel on the way back from Melbourne. The Level Crossing Removal Authority, tasked by the Labor state government to oversee the level crossings removals, has admitted there will be “significant disruption” at every one of the 50 level crossings to be removed over the next eight years across the state’s rail network. Labor has promised to separate 20 road and rail intersections during its first four-year term in government. Public Transport Minister Jacinta Allan says the disruption is necessary to
deliver safer and more accessible train stations and ease traffic snarls at level crossings. “We’re getting on with the job of removing these congested death traps to reduce congestion, save lives and allow us to run more trains.” The eleven Frankston line crossings to be removed are: North Rd (Ormond), Balcombe Rd (Mentone), Centre Rd (Bentleigh), Charman Rd (Cheltenham), Edithvale Rd (Edithvale), Eel Race Rd (Carrum), McKinnon Rd (McKinnon), Seaford Rd (Seaford), Skye Rd (Frankston), Station St (Bonbeach), Station St (Carrum). The Andrews government has not yet confirmed when the other eight Frankston line level crossings are due to be removed, forcing further rail line closures while works are carried out.
Celebrate ton up KINGSTON Council will host a special event to celebrate our living centenarians and needs the community’s help to make sure none are left out. Mayor Cr Geoff Gledhill said all Kingston residents aged 100 or over are invited to the Centennial Lunch on Tuesday 15 September. “This event will recognise the wonderful contribution our elder citizens have made to our community over many years and will celebrate the milestone of reaching 100,” he said. “We’ve been in contact with all the local aged care homes and have 15 centenarians already taking part, but we’d love the community’s help to make sure every local centenarian receives an invitation to join us at this very special event.” The centennial lunch will feature a two-course meal, MC John Blackman and musical performances. Each centenarian can bring two guests, and transport can be provided if needed. If you or a loved one is 100 years or older and would like to celebrate with the mayor, call 9581 4629.
Delays ahead: Commuters will be forced to take buses along sections of the Frankston line next year while level crossings are removed.
Golf course homes plan gets nod ROSSDALE Golf Club has been given the go ahead to sell off part of its Aspendale golf course for residential development. Kingston councillors at July’s council meeting unanimously voted to back a proposal to subdivide six allotments for development although some had reservations about the plan. The golf club has suffered financial problems in recent years and a previous board had been contemplating selling the full golf course off and relocating to Bangholme. New board members elected last
month favour the partial sell-off to save the club and ensure it remains in Aspendale (‘Golf club sets new course’, The News 8/7/15). “Nobody wants to see golf clubs chip away at their land for their survival but we don’t want to see them leave,” Cr Tamsin Bearsley said. Cr Rosemary West voted to back the partial subdivision but noted the request was “a challenge” to a recent council resolution to protect golf course land in Kingston for public open space use. “I think it’s important that all of our
golf courses [in Kingston] don’t feel that they can sell off all the land around the edge for no good reason.” Mayor Cr Geoff Gledhill said the proper planning process must be followed but councillors “will not put obstacles in the way”. “This is a very modest change they’re seeking and it just provides them with some short to medium term confidence about the future of the club,” he told The News. “We’re happy as a council to be involved and try to help as much as possible because it’s an important club to
VCAT appeal cost
the community there.” The mayor said council had previously approved the partial subdivision at Rossdale golf course but the previous board had not proceeded with the plan at the time. Council will now write to Planning Minister Richard Wynne for permission to exhibit planning permission for community feedback. The new Rossdale Golf Club board will answer questions about the club’s future strategy at an annual general meeting on Monday 24 August. Neil Walker
KINGSTON Council has confirmed costs totalled $5478 with regards to a VCAT case to support a subdividision of vacant land at 2 Leslie Rd, Clarinda (‘VCAT says neigh to horse play’, The News 29/7/15). About $500 of council officers’ time was also spent briefing planning consultant Peter Soding from Tixxis Pty Ltd to represent council at a VCAT hearing in July. The Defenders of the South East Green Wedge won its appeal to overturn council’s decision to subdivide the land into five lots of 907 square metres for “horse agistment”.
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to arrange a tour or to request a free information pack. Chelsea Mordialloc Mentone News 5 August 2015
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