Community input critical to level crossing removals

Published on 19 December 2023

Council has once again stepped up to make sure local knowledge from our community leads planning for the Mordialloc and Aspendale level crossing removal projects.

Developed through two rounds of consultation with people who live locally the Urban Design Framework was adopted by Council last week with overwhelming community support. This is now the basis for our ongoing advocacy to the State Government.

Mayor Jenna Davey-Burns said we have heard loud and clear what our community wants to see from this multi-generational project and it’s essential the crossing removals are done well.  

“We couldn’t agree more with the need to remove these dangerous and congested crossings, but because these two crossings connect our city from South to North, it is critical that the impacts of the projects are considered in the initial stage,” Cr Davey-Burns said.

“Our community deserves to be informed about what traffic modelling has been done, especially in relation to the planned closure of Bear Street.  Having certainty our residents won’t have an extra 15 minutes on the school drop off, the commute to work or to get to shops is our top priority, we must have confidence that appropriate mitigations will be in place. 

“We are very supportive of the State Government’s commitment to make the Frankston line level crossing free, but it’s vital that the moment is seized to ensure this project delivers improved safety, reduced congestion, facilitates pedestrian and cycling connectivity, better access and trading areas for shops, and more green spaces.

“The best crossing removals in our city have put the community in the centre of decision making because locals have invaluable insight as well as vision.  Our Council has learnt from previous crossing removals just how critical that genuine engagement is to achieve the best possible outcomes.”

Yammerbook Ward Councillor Tamsin Bearsley said the State Government simply must take the community on the journey and make sure they are treated fairly in the planning process.

“This project means so much to our residents and businesses in Aspendale and Mordi and the State’s planning, communication and consultation needs to reflect that,” Cr Bearsley said. 

Melaleuca Ward Councillor Tim Cochrane said our message is clear – Mordialloc is an icon of Melbourne and comprehensive planning is essential to ensure what is left after the crossing removals genuinely enhances this very special place.

“We are talking about a project that will change Mordi forever and we will continue to work tirelessly to ensure the government’s final plans meet the community’s needs in a rapidly changing climate, both now and for many decades to come,” Cr Cochrane said.

To view the draft Urban Design Framework, head to kingston.vic.gov.au/council/council-documents/plans-policies-and-reports/mordialloc-aspendale-lxrp-urban-design-framework.

If you have further questions about the project visit bigbuild.vic.gov.au/projects/level-crossing-removal-project or if you wish to provide your feedback directly to the Level Crossing Removal Project team, contact them via the helpline on 1800 105 105.