A PLAN to pump $50 million into Carrum as part of the separation of road and rail at Station St on the Frankston line was announced by the state government at the weekend.
Premier Daniel Andrews visited Carrum on Sunday to unveil designs for a promenade to be built under elevated rail between McLeod Rd and Eel Race Rd alongside new “parkland and picnic places”.
Five properties along the Nepean Highway will be compulsorily acquired by the Labor state government to build the promenade from the highway to the beach near a new train station at Carrum.
“We’re getting on with revitalising Carrum – transforming this bayside community into a modern, vibrant, well-connected suburb for everyone to enjoy,” Mr Andrews said in a statement.
“This is a huge win for the local community. We’re not only getting rid of dangerous and congested level crossings – we’re creating new open space, parkland and picnic areas just a stone’s throw from the beach.”
The Premier’s prediction of a win for the community is not shared by some residents who live near the Frankston line who are campaigning against any form of ‘sky rail’ in bayside suburbs.
Labor MP Sonya Kilkenny won the marginal seat of Carrum by just 0.7 per cent at the 2014 state election.
The next state election will be held in November next year.
Ms Kilkenny stood alongside the Premier at Sunday’s announcement.
“This is a once in a lifetime opportunity. I’m excited to be involved in this project and am looking forward to delivering great outcomes for our local community,” she said in a statement.
“We will continue to work closely with local residents and businesses as we deliver this massive project.”
A 900-metre long raised rail bridge will be built over McLeod Rd and level crossings at Station St, Eel Race Rd and Mascot Ave will be removed.
Train stabling at Carrum will be moved to Kananook.
Ten level crossings are being removed along the Frankston line from Cheltenham to Frankston as part of a state government project to separate road from rail at level crossings across Victoria.
Construction works will mostly begin next year.
First published in the Chelsea Mordialloc Mentone News – 9 August 2017
