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7 APRIL, 2021
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Ramps ‘not feasible’ By Michaela Meade Installing ramps at Hoppers Crossing station as part of the Old Geelong Road level crossing removal is “not feasible”, according to the Level Crossing Removal Project (LXRP). The level crossing is being removed as part of a $355.5 million state government project which will result in the existing crossing being closed to traffic and a new road built over the rail line, connecting Princes Highway to Old Geelong Road. Pedestrians and cyclists will access the station via a new overpass, which will be accessible via oversized lifts or stairs. Residents and Wyndham council have raised concerns that people with mobility aids, senior citizens, parents with prams, cyclists and others will not be able access the station platform, and have called for access ramps to be included. But according to LXRP, the construction of ramps is not feasible. A LXRP spokesperson said including ramps would remove 50 car spaces at the station and nearby shopping precinct, and generate significant additional costs and closures. LXRP chief executive Kevin Devlin said the project had faced space constraints. “Ramps take up a lot of space and given there are other access points along the corridor to cross, we felt that [lifts were] a suitable response in that location,” he said. “We are providing disability access by building a new overpass at the station … at Old Geelong Road,” he said. “While there’s not ramps directly at that Old Geelong Road location … there are multiple points of access along the corridor that we’re linking up, including the extra overpass with stairs and lifts.” Bicycle Network senior policy advisor Garry Brennan labelled planning for the crossing removal as “rushed”. “.… insufficient regard was given to how people on foot and on bikes get around the local area,” he said. “Level Crossing projects are usually a good opportunity to improve facilities for active travel, however at Hoppers Crossing it was an opportunity missed.” Wyndham Cycling Com representative Alan Page said he was concerned about the long-terms effects of the decision to exclude ramps. “A simple pedestrian/cycling underpass at the tracks opposite Hoppers Station would have been a good solution,” Mr Page said.
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Carter, Cash tribute show Point Cook husband and wife duo Mark and Joanne Caligiuri will pay tribute to country music’s most famous couple, Johnny Cash and June Carter, in a Mother’s Day show. Mr Caligiuri said their Get Rhythm show would feature hits from the ’50s and ’60s, including Ring of Fire, Jackson and Folsom Prison Blues. He takes on Cash’s persona for a convincing performance. “I think the most realistic way to capture that character is to take on his persona, as an actor would, because that way it becomes three dimensional as opposed to just mimicking him,” he said. “He’s an awesome storyteller and he’s got the courage to say it the way it is. “Our intention as artists is to bring people up, to take them on a journey and make some excitement.” Ms Caligiuri said the show would be extra special as last year’s coronavirus restrictions prevented many from celebrating Mother’s Day. “Everyone is just really keen to get back and working again as musicians and entertainers,” she said. “It’s very important because music is very therapeutic, it makes people happy. For us, it’s important to keep that rolling.” Get Rhythm - A Tribute to Johnny Cash and June Carter is on Sunday, May 9, from 2-4.30pm, at Skyways Hotel in Airport West. Bookings essential: 9338 1300 Goya Dmytryshchak
Mark and Joanne Caligiuri as Johnny Cash and June Carter. (Damjan Janevski) 232210_01
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