PAKENHAM OFFICER
pakenhamnews.starcommunity.com.au
Thursday, 6 October, 2022
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Libs promise road design change
Rental prices jump 7%
Player points farce in Gippsland
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SPORT
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$3.75 million for local projects
Teenage artist takes top honours Fifteen-year-old Jessie van Loon has been recognised for her artistic talents at Pakenham’s Trending Art Show. The teenager beat numerous established creatives to win Best Local Artist with her piece Purple Haze. Story page 3
Jessie van Loon with her artwork Purple Haze.
Closure comfort By Shelby Brooks Station Street business owners in Officer say permanently closing the road to traffic will prevent a death from occurring at the “dangerous” level crossing. Jacqui Chalmers, owner of Rawsons Motors, said she was surprised a driver or pedestrian had not been seriously hurt yet. “From a perspective of people from the area, this is such a dangerous road,” she told Star News. “There’s a lack of curbing, the amount of
traffic, no footpaths to the train station - there is going to be a death here. I’m surprised that hasn’t already happened. “I will feel a lot more comfortable when it closes.” According to the State Government, Station Street in Officer will be closed permanently at the rail line as part of the Level Crossing Removal Project. For locals who use this level crossing regularly, access north and south of the Pakenham line via the Siding Road underpass will remain open - around 450 metres east of Station Street.
The 1.9km detour takes approximately four minutes. Drivers can access Princes Highway and Princes Freeway via Brunt Road, where the State Government is also removing the level crossing to improve traffic flow and increase safety. This 2.8km detour takes approximately five minutes for drivers. Ms Chalmers said from a business perspective, she wasn’t overly concerned about impact the road closure would have on customers.
Wendy Archer, manager of neighbouring business Sunset Sleepers, agreed the closure would have a low impact on the business. “We see so many school kids walking from the train station to the school but there’s not footpath along here,” Ms Archer said. “I feel sick when I see them walking down here. “Semi-trucks barrel down here and cars fly down. I think the residents and businesses will be happy that will stop.” Continued page 3
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