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Melton South bridges the gap By Esther Lauaki A vital link between one part of Melton South to another over Toolern Creek is almost ready for use after more than a decade of lobbying. Locals will soon be able to travel between the eastern and western sides of the suburb over the bridge connecting Abey and Brooklyn roads following its opening event last week. The bridge, part of a $6.1 million project, will provide alternative access to the Western Freeway, reduce traffic on Station Road and improve access to Melton train station.
The project also involved 850 metres of new road, connection of bike and walking tracks, expansion of the path network and landscaping. Melton mayor Sophie Ramsey said she was thrilled she was able to see the project come to life. She said that the project had been passed over for funding in numerous budgets as other projects took priority. “I’ve campaigned tirelessly for over 15 years to ensure that this vital piece of transport infrastructure becomes a reality,” she said.
“And now, seeing the bridge right before my eyes, it’s like a dream come true. To Melton South, it’s a huge advantage. The connectivity of our community depends on it. “The Abey Road Bridge will, without doubt, transform the way residents move around in our community. “It is an amazing result for our community and one that we should all be very proud of.” Cr Ramsey thanked all council planning staff and those who were involved in the project. For more information, go to: www.melton. vic.gov.au/abeyroadbridge
Mayor Sophie Ramsey on the new bridge. (Joe Mastroianni)
(Damjan Janevski)
Ballarat line on time, more often
Cover boy for a good cause A Sunbury firefighter is doing his bit to help alleviate the suffering of children affected by burns and illness. Aaron Ficheroux has previously modelled for the charity Australian Firefighters Calendar and was this year selected to star on the front cover of the 2018 Victoria calendar. Next Thursday he will also appear on television’s the AFL Footy Show to promote the Australian Firefighters Calendar telethon.
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“That was my motivation, to be a part of something where I can give back to kids that can’t help themselves.” Sales of the Firefighters Calendar raise funds for the Children’s Hospital Foundation and the Westmead Children’s Hospital Burns unit. The calendars can be purchased at www. australianfirefighterscalendar.com
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As one of the Victorian firefighters involved in the campaign, he will answer phones as viewers call in to donate to children’s cancer charity My Room. Mr Ficheroux said he was driven to help fundraise for sick and injured children by his own three young children. “If my kids were ever in a position where they needed help in that kind of way, I would want the best help for them,” he said.
V/Line trains on the Ballarat line have been more punctual than they have been in nearly a year according to the most recent on-time performance data. Figures for the month of July are up to 87.9 per cent punctuality – the highest level since December last year. Chief executive James Pinder said it was always pleasing to see an increase but there was still room for improvement. “This is the highest on-time performance that has been on the Ballarat line in seven months, with 813 of the 919 Ballarat trains that operated in July arriving at their destination on time,” Mr Pinder said. “On-time performance improved across the network but we recognise there still needs to be further improvements to punctuality and everyone at V/Line has a role to play in achieving this.” Reliability for the Ballarat line in July was much the same as the previous month, exceeding the 96 per cent target with 98.1 per cent of services being delivered as scheduled. Mr Pinder wanted to remind Ballarat line passengers that 18 additional services each week will soon be running, meaning a 60 minute frequency on weekends “This new timetable is all about giving people more choice on when they want to travel and comes on top of the 10 extra weekly services that were added in January,” he said. The new V/Line timetable will be available online from August 27. Information: www.ptv.vic.gov.au
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5 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY \ AUGUST 15, 2017