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Government overrides Stonnington Council resident, lifts Talbot Crescent roadblock

A move to make a Kooyong road a permanent cul-de-sac has been rebuffed by the state and federal governments. The outcome leaves Stonnington Council disappointed with the decision after backing residents wishes.

Works underway to remove the level crossing at Toorak Rd. Picture: State Government
Works underway to remove the level crossing at Toorak Rd. Picture: State Government

The move by Stonnington Council to block off one end of a Kooyong street has hit a roadblock in the form of the Federal Government.

Talbot Crescent has been a cul-de-sac since July due to works on getting rid of the Toorak Rd level crossing, with the Level Crossing Removal Project closing off the Toorak Rd end.

Residents initially did not enjoy the change, but changed their minds and successfully petitioned the council to support making it permanent.

But after asking the LXRP for its support — the organisation has the authority to close the road without council having to go through the usual processes — it was rejected because of the planned removal of the Glenferrie Rd level crossing.

Work at the Toorak Rd level crossing has been going for many months. Picture: Norm Oorloff
Work at the Toorak Rd level crossing has been going for many months. Picture: Norm Oorloff

Access to Talbot Crescent from Toorak Rd will be needed during this work.

Mayor Steve Stefanopoulos said the decision was made for Talbot Crescent residents.

“In making the decision, councillors took into account the permanent and detrimental effect of the now elevated train line at Toorak Rd, which has seen their residential street constantly used by through traffic,” he said.

“When consulted on the proposal, Talbot Crescent residents were overwhelmingly in support.

“Access to Sir Zelman Cowan Reserve will still be possible via Glenferrie Rd to all sporting users, parents, families and emergency services.”

Residents were initially opposed to the closure at one end. Picture: Norm Oorloff
Residents were initially opposed to the closure at one end. Picture: Norm Oorloff

Stonnington spokesman Sean Ross said it was a “disappointing” decision given the initial proposal was made after talking with the LXRP and with the support of many residents.

“We will undertake traffic surveys of Talbot Crescent and the area south of the railway line … three months after the completing of the Toorak Rd level crossing removal,” he said.

Not everyone was supportive of the move though, with Glen Iris Junior Football Club — whose home is at Sir Zelman Cowan Reserve — fearing its impact.

The Aussie rules outfit has more than 700 players access the club from Talbot Crescent.

The beams being put into place at Toorak Rd.
The beams being put into place at Toorak Rd.

The club told its members in December about the decision resulting in greater opposition, including that of Public Transport Minister Jacinta Allan.

Ms Allan said the Toorak Rd level crossing was “just one construction blitz away” from being fixed, six months ahead of schedule.

In a letter to the club, she said the State Government would not support the permanent closure at the intersection.

Road access works at the intersection of Toorak Rd and Talbot Crescent are likely to be completed by the end of April.

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Meanwhile, Toorak Rd will have some closures on weekends and weekday nights after 9pm, and buses will replace trains on sections of the Glen Waverley line from April 3 to 12.

Following this work blitz, the level crossing will be removed, rail services will resume and the road will be opened.

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Original URL: https://www.heraldsun.com.au/leader/inner-east/government-overrides-stonnington-council-resident-lifts-talbot-crescent-roadblock/news-story/4e4229e0605967ddc4d75c78575aef7c