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No air at skate parks Craigieburn locals were making the most of the DS Aitken Reserve skate park upgrade before playgrounds and skate parks were shut. Lockdown restrictions were strengthened by the state government last week, closing skate parks and playgrounds until at least Thursday, September 2. The skate park was revamped as part of the $1.96 million upgrade to DS Aitken Reserve on Craigieburn Road. Hume council corporate services director Daryl Whitfort said the works were completed to benefit the whole community. “The DS Aitken Reserve Skatepark underwent an upgrade to provide a fit-for-purpose space for people of all ages and abilities to practice tricks and learn new skills,” Mr Whitfort said. “The redeveloped park provides opportunities for new and experienced skaters and riders. Discover your nearest skatepark and BMX track once restrictions ease: https://bit.ly/2VZVPeh
ANDREW DEGIORGIO
Federal road cash plea By Michaela Meade Hume council has called on the federal government to fund major road upgrades in Mickleham to reduce the impact of the new quarantine hub on the community. The hub, which is under construction on Donnybrook Road, is set to open with an initial 500 beds by the end of the year, with an additional 500 beds to be operational next year. It will be known as the Centre for National Resilience, Melbourne. Mayor Joseph Haweil wrote to Prime Minister Scott Morrison last week calling for the federal government to fund the duplication of Mickleham Road, the electrification of the train line to Wallan, the construction of a half
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diamond Hume Freeway interchange south of the Donnybrook Road interchange, and the extension of Polaris Road. “Not only will this infrastructure investment ensure the centre has a long-lasting legacy, it will also recognise the legitimate concerns of a community that is doing the heavy lifting to help Australia reopen its borders and put an end to recurrent lockdowns,” Cr Haweil wrote. “Donnybrook Road has seen a 154 per cent increase in vehicles in the last six years … the addition of the centre will exacerbate stress on Donnybrook Road, along with its main connector road from Melbourne Airport, Mickleham Road.” It comes as COVID-19 Quarantine Victoria (CQV) moved to reassure the community that the virus wouldn’t leak out of the hub into the
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community. During a recent online community information session, CQV executive director Abigail Trewin, who previously worked at the Howard Springs quarantine facility in the Northern Territory, said staff would be tested for the virus daily. She said a buddy system would also be established to ensure personal protective equipment is worn correctly, and staff will work in “confined groups” to minimise potential spread. Centre for National Resilience program director Chris Keating said while there had been no community consultation on the hub, he wanted to reassure the community the project had been given proper thought. “The assurance I want to give … [is] we deeply considered the importance of the
location,” he said. “We are really confident that this location will work really well, and that impact on immediate residents can be managed really effectively.” Project director Kylie Dennis said 80 per cent of construction would occur offsite. “The main truck routes will be via the Hume Freeway, utilising Donnybrook Road and Polaris Road,” Ms Dennis said. Global construction company Multiplex was selected to build the facility late last month. Multiplex senior project manager Josh Caldow said locals looking for a job in the construction stage of the hub could do so via www.buyingfor.vic.gov.au or by emailing cfnrmelb@multiplex.global. Project updates: www.vic.gov.au/victorianquarantine-hub
At Kingsgate Village you can enjoy your independence while living among secure and tranquil surroundings. Our state-of-the-art centre has resort style facilities to suit your lifestyle: • Competition Size Lawn Bowls • Swimming Pool • Fully Equipped Gymnasium • Hairdresser • Cinema and Library • 24 Hour Video Security 12506352-BL35-21