7 March 2016

NEWS DESK

Easter line closures on the level BUSES will replace trains on a section of the Frankston line from Friday 25 March until Monday 5 April as part of the Labor state government’s commitment to remove eleven level crossings along the line.

Premier Daniel Andrews says an “Easter blitz” to remove three level crossings – at Ormond, McKinnon and Bentleigh – means the works at those three sites will be completed ahead of the original schedule of mid-2017.

Buses will shuttle passengers between Mordialloc and Caulfield stations.

Ormond and McKinnon Stations will also be closed for up to five months so they can be demolished and completely rebuilt but trains will be able to run In line for protests? Community groups are gathering to voice opposition to any sky rail plan for sections of the Frankston line.

Picture: Gary Sissons

Sky rail concerns gather steam “Residents are genuinely fearful that their interests aren’t going to be taken into consideration.”

Liberal opposition leader Matthew Guy has seized the opportunity to raise the pressure on Labor over the possibility of elevated rail along the Frankston line, visiting Edithvale train station last month to say sky rail “would be devastating” for the bayside suburbs, amid concerns about increased noise from elevated trains and the amenity of suburbs, especially for residents near the rail line (‘Sky rail ‘must be dropped’’, The News 24/2/16).

Kingston councillors debated whether to oppose elevated rail at the year’s first public council meeting last month but opted to write to Premier Dan-

Continued from Page 1 Another community group, the Carrum and Patterson Lakes Forum group, will hand over a petition against sky rail to Ms Kilkenny this month. The online petition at change.org has more than 450 signatures to date.

Group spokesman Cameron Howe said the community group speaks to councillors and politicians about local issues as they arise and sky rail has become a concern.

“From what I can tell the Level Crossing Removal Authority’s process hasn’t been too transparent so far,” Mr Howe said.

“There is great concern within the community that the authority perhaps doesn’t have the most suitable process.

iel Andrews and Transport Minister Jacinta Allan to ask that community feedback be taken into consideration.

A majority of Frankston councillors decided it is too soon to engage the state government on the specifics of Frankston line plans to remove level crossings (‘Sky rail ‘a future fight’’, The Times 8/2/16) The Level Crossing Removal Authority is hosting a series of interactive community sessions in March about plans to separate road from rail at eleven level crossings along the Frankston line. See levelcrossings.vic.gov.au/ crossings/frankston-line or call 1800 762 667 for details.

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along the Frankston line during these works.

“More than 500 staff will work round the clock this Easter, so these dangerous crossings are gone and these new stations are built months ahead of schedule – we’re getting on with it,” Mr Andrews said.

Roads Minister Luke Donnellan thanked passengers for their patience “while we get rid of these congested death-traps”.

“There will be disruption, but it’s nothing compared to the congestion, delay and distress these crossings cause every day.”

See Public Transport Victoria’s site at ptv.vic.gov.au to plan train journeys on any given day.

Choir sings for patron’s 90th Welshmen love to sing, and you don’t have to travel far through the Cambrian hills before encountering a male choir.

With their origins in the mining communities of the valleys, the Welsh choirs’ harmonies and power are a glorious sound to behold.

But Wales is a long way to go when there’s a world class choir on the peninsula. The Australian Welsh Male Choir (Côr Meibion Cymreig Awstralia) has been in Frankston for more than 40 years, entertaining concert-goers with its harmonies and inspirational music.

During that time it has travelled far and wide, locally and overseas, and has represented Australia at iconic venues.

The choir’s repertoire consists of pieces sung in the “language of the angels” but most of the material is in English: spirituals, opera choruses,

show tunes and the best of contemporary music, providing plenty of variety and something for everyone.

Mornington Peninsula audiences have the chance to hear the choir at a concert for its long-time patron, Baillieu “Bails” Myer, who lives at Elgee Park, Merricks North, who recently celebrated his 90th birthday (or as Bails likes to put it: the 40th anniversary of his 50th birthday).

The concert to thank him for his support will be supported by ensemble “Encore,” consisting of four women with their own brand of harmonic magic.

The concert will be at 2pm, Sunday 20 March, at Peninsula Community Theatre, 91 Wilsons Rd, Mornington.

Tickets from trybooking.com/KFIG or Farrell’s Bookshop, 143 Main St, Mornington. Details: 0425 725 575.