NEWS DESK
Rail line study findings ‘Orwellian’ Continued from Page 1 The business case does identify that it is a problem that “limited public transport options and poor connections between the Peninsula, Frankston and the city results in increased car dependency”. “Less than three percent of residents use public transport in the Mornington Peninsula, and less than six percent in Frankston, which is exceedingly low when benchmarked against municipalities with similar characteristics. The low proportion of commuters using public transport is indicative of several issues in the area, including accessibility, reliability and poor travel times. For residents in Frankston and the Peninsula, less than 10 per cent of all jobs are accessible by public transport within an hour,” the business case read. Ginevra Hosking, CEO of advocacy group Committee for Greater Frankston, said that the state government is “playing Orwellian games”. “The Victorian government was given $1.5 million of public money to create this report, which purports to be a rapid cost-benefit study but it clearly states that actually quantifying the project benefits was out of scope. The Frankston and wider community were expecting their state government to extend the train line to at least Langwarrin with a minimum 15-minute metro service and a dedicated commuter park and ride for at least 1000 cars,” she said. “The state government’s indicative preferred option doesn’t even include a local station for the people of Frankston South, Karingal and Langwarrin, effectively bypassing 37,000 Frankston City residents. (...) Taxpayer money paid for this rail extension study. We deserve a
full explanation about why this project, so vital to our region, has been stopped dead in its tracks. “It’s time for the state government to start properly planning to construct this vital public transport project.” Federal Flinders MP Greg Hunt, whose electorate encompasses Baxter, said “when it comes to extending Metro train service beyond Frankston, the Committee for Greater Frankston agree, the Committee for the Mornington Peninsula agree, the Mornington Peninsula Shire agree, Frankston City Council agree, the Victorian opposition agree and the federal Liberal and Labor parties agree of the merits of this expansion.” Dunkley MP Peta Murphy said “it took more than a year of relentless advocacy from me, including a meeting with the Deputy Prime Minister, to push the federal government to finally release the business case.” “The Morrison government promised our community they were building the metro rail to Baxter. Yet nothing has happened. My unwavering commitment is to better public transport, including improved train services, for our community. As our local federal member, I will keep up the pressure for the Morrison government to deliver on its promises.” The business case reads that approximately 7.4 hectares of land acquisition would be required at Baxter if the line was electrified to it. Property acquisitions may also have to occur for level crossing removals at Moorooduc Highway, Hillcrest Road, and Golf Links Road. The different options for improving the Frankston railway line were suggested to be further assessed in a “detailed” business case.
PM Scott Morrison at Leawarra Station in 2018, reaffirming a $225 million commitment to extending the Frankston line to Baxter. It has now been revealed that the cost of the project could be over a billion dollars more than that. Picture: Gary Sissons
WHAT’S NEW...
KINGSTON Council has drawn up plans to shape the future of development in Moorabbin. Council has adopted two plans, the Moorabbin Eastern Edge Urban Design Analysis and the Moorabbin West Urban Design Framework. A statement from Kingston Council read that the plan for eastern Moorabbin “looks at how Horscroft Place and the precinct between the train station and Moorabbin Reserve can be improved to ensure a welcoming and safe thoroughfare for pedestrians” and would “help guide and direct council and future investors on the types of buildings, landscaping, parks and accessibility that this precinct will require.” “In 2019 council purchased 2 Horscroft Place with the intention of creating a new pocket park for the community and improving the streetscape and accessibility from Moorabbin station and the shops, through to Moorabbin Reserve and beyond to the Hospital and TAFE,” council CEO Julie Reid said. Ms Reid said that the “Moorabbin West Urban Design Framework looks at the underutilised mixed-use precinct on the west of the Nepean Highway, with views to improve its usability, pedestrian connections and to retain its assets, such as the heritage-listed façade on the bowls club.” Both plans will be implemented in phases. “The Moorabbin West Urban Design Framework and the Moorabbin Eastern Edge Urban Design Analysis complement one another and work towards the Moorabbin Renewal project. This is all about creating better pedestrian connections through Moorabbin and improving the suburb’s assets and vibrancy,” Ms Reid said. “This is an exciting time for Kingston. The Moorabbin Renewal project will help to transform a suburb which already boast fantastic transport links, an arts precinct and a major sports hub, into a pedestrian-friendly destination.”
GRAND LAUNCH
New development on display NEWLY released development Sixth Ave, designed by Point Architects, is having its grand opening this weekend. Come to Aultun Group’s new development located in Chelsea Heights for a morning of fun, food, and all things real estate. Be immersed in the coastal lifestyle and realize your bayside dreams with exceptional coastal living at Sixth Ave, featuring a suite of two, three and four bedroom contemporary homes over two storeys. Situated in a quiet treelined street, the unique estate is perfect for the ultimate family lifestyle. Food and drinks will be provided as well as
Plans adopted for future Moorabbin
door prizes to be won. Guests can explore the development, and current Homebuilder and First Home Owner Grants applicable. Secure a spot in the development with a New Home Release featuring 10 exclusive street front homes. Call 1300 690 241 or visit sixthave.com.au to secure your spot. Be sure to be quick as this opportunity won’t last long with limited availability remaining. The Grand Launch will be located at the onsite display suite at 15 Sixth Avenue, Chelsea Heights. Saturday 21 November, 11am - 3pm.
SATURDAY 21ST NOVEMBER 11AM – 3PM!! Our newly released development ‘Sixth Ave.’ designed by Point Architects, located in Chelsea Heights is launching! Join us for a morning of fun, food and all things real estate. Be immersed in the coastal lifestyle and realize your bayside dreams with exceptional coastal living at Sixth Ave, featuring a suite of two, three and four bedroom contemporary homes over two storeys. Situated in a quiet tree-lined street, the unique estate is perfect for the ultimate family lifestyle. Food and drinks will be provided as well as some amazing door prizes to be won. Secure your spot in this prestigious development with the release of Stage 1 homes. Contact us today to secure your spot. Be sure to be quick as this opportunity won’t last long with limited availability remaining. Call us today on 1300 690 241 or visit us at sixthave.com.au.
Chelsea Mordialloc Mentone News 18 November 2020
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