Jacana ‘deserves better’ as station labelled a disgrace

“SHOCKING”, “a disgrace” and “a dive” — words used by councillors to describe this station in Melbourne’s north-west.

Cr Geoff Porter has called for the government and authorities to take action to brighten up Jacana station. Picture: Sarah Matray

“SHOCKING”, “a disgrace” and “a dive” — these are some of the words used by Hume councillors to describe the state of Jacana railway station.

Last week Cr Geoff Porter asked the council to write to Public Transport Minister Jacinta Allan and rail authorities to request works to “clean and green” the station.

“It looks shocking, it’s uninspiring and it’s a disgrace,” Cr Porter said.

“The local area deserves better.”

Cr Porter said he would like to see increased greenery, planter boxes, painting and more seating at the station.

He said the council had also installed fences along on Pascoe Vale Rd, to hide the weeds and graffiti along the rail line.

WHAT DO YOU THINK OF THE STATE OF THE STATION? Comment below

Cr Porter said while the station was on the border of Moreland and Hume municipalities, it was used by many Hume commuters.

He said he was advocating for changes to the station because in April, the council was planning to erect a “significant artwork” to the entrance of the municipality, near the station.

Another Hume councillor, Jack Medcraft, said he was in favour of beautifying from Craigieburn station to Jacana station.

“Anything’s got to be better than what it is now; it’s a dive,” he said.

“I say we take ownership and we won’t be a crap suburb, we are changing that and we are better than that.”

The Broadmeadows Progress Association honorary secretary John Rutherford said in addition to some sprucing up, commuters would also like safety measures installed near the station’s walkway, which leads onto Pascoe Vale Rd.

“The safer the station is and the more attractive it is, the more people will use it,” he said.

Last Wednesday, Metro spokesman Marcus Williams said the train operator would make contact with Hume Council to discuss Jacana station.

Mr Williams said Metro provided funding to Keep Victoria Beautiful, to support its Stationeers program, under which volunteer groups beautified some Melbourne stations.

“This is something we can discuss with Hume Council should there be community interest,” Mr Williams said.

He said new stainless steel platform seating was added to Jacana station in 2015.

In addition, Mr Williams said rubbish at stations was cleaned up on a daily basis, with graffiti removed within 24 hours of being reported.

He said monthly gardening and weeding programs were conducted at all stations, and rail corridor vegetation removed three times per year.

Cr Geoff Porter at Jacana station. Picture: Sarah Matray