Under or over? Boothby MP Nicolle Flint wants Hove level crossing community feedback released as discussions continue

There’s still no decision on the Hove level crossing underpass – or overpass. Now the local federal MP wants the state government to release its community feedback.

Federal Liberal MP Nicolle Flint is urging her state government counterparts to release the feedback received during community consultation for the Hove level crossing project.

The Boothby MP also says the state government is yet to approach the federal government for funding for the upgrade.

However, state Infrastructure Minister Corey Wingard says his government – which will design, build and own the infrastructure – had been in “constant discussions” with their federal counterparts about the project.

The state government is likely to require federal cash to complete the project.

As the local federal member, Ms Flint’s advocacy would be important to the project.

However it appears she is reserving her support pending the release of community feedback and the SA government’s imminent announcement of its chosen design option.

“As the local (federal) MP I will always be guided by the views of my community and the finalisation and release of the community consultation is vital to this project,” she said.

Boothby MP Nicolle Flint is pressing for action as discussions on the Hove crossing development drag on between the state and federal governments. Picture: AAP Image/David Mariuz

Hove residents are anxiously waiting to hear which design option the government has chosen for the removal of the Brighton Rd level crossing.

The two options under consideration are raising the rail line over Brighton Rd, at a cost of $295 million, or lowering the rail line under Brighton Rd, at a cost of $450 million.

A local community group has been lobbying for an different and cheaper “rail under” option to the one proposed by the government.

The “Rail Under! Save our Homes! No to Hove Bridge” group says the “rail over” option, with its 1.4km bridge, would be an eyesore and would divide the community.

Holdfast Bay Council also wants a “rail under” option.

Ms Flint has previously told residents who are apprehensive about the project – in particular about the potential for compulsory acquisitions and the permanent loss of amenity associated with the “rail over” option – that she shares their concerns.

“The state government must make a decision and put their proposal to the federal government so it may be properly considered,” said Ms Flint, who is retiring at the upcoming federal election.

The Hove level crossing on Brighton Road is a notorious traffic bottleneck. Picture: Naomi Jellicoe

About 70 residents attended a community meeting in January, many opposing the Hove rail crossing development.

The Advertiser asked Mr Wingard if he would release the feedback received during the community consultation period but he did not respond to the question.

However, he said the state government had been in “constant discussions” with the federal government, including Infrastructure Minister Paul Fletcher, regarding the project.

“There are two options on the table and both are currently with the federal government and we’re continuing to work with them,” she said.

“We have offered to brief Nicolle Flint on a number of occasions this year, without a response, but my door is always open for Nicolle.”

Mr Wingard has previously stated the project would ease congestion and improve safety.

In March this year, Transport Department chief executive officer Tony Braxton-Smith told a parliamentary committee that the rail-under option was fraught with issues and emphasised the benefits of the rail-over design.