Katie Allen (Higgins, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The Glenferrie Road level crossing in my seat of Higgins is dangerous and congested. I know because I lived along the railway line when my family was young. With railroad, trams and pedestrians all passing through this intersection it is an accident waiting to happen. Each peak hour cars are backed up in both directions as parents rush to get their kids to local schools. Boom gates are down for 20 per cent of peak hour. It is a major inconvenience for local commuters.

In 2013 a VicRoads study prioritised it for urgent removal. The state government has refused to act. In 2019 the Morrison government committed a massive $260 million to remove the Glenferrie Road level crossing. It has also provided $8 million to the Victorian government to develop a business plan for its removal. My community and I have been waiting for release of the business plan findings for many months now. I've written to the state transport infrastructure minister, Jacinta Allan, reminding her of our significant financial commitment to this level crossing removal and requesting the delivery of the business plan we have already funded. The time has come. Enough is enough. We need community consultation and we need a solution. Release the business plan, Dan, and let's get the job done.