Level crossing tops Preston election issues

AS THE November 29 state election looms, the removal of the unpopular Reservoir level crossing is at the top of the agenda for Preston’s candidates.

A newly formed citizen committee will lobby for a Darebin grade separation package which includes removing level crossings at Reservoir Junction, Bell Street, Cramer Street and Murray Road. Dulcie Hook and Nellie Montague at the Reservior crossing. Pictures:Angie Basdekis

AS THE November 29 state election looms, the removal of the unpopular Reservoir level crossing is at the top of the agenda for Preston’s candidates.

Last week Leaderasked four of the five Preston state election candidates a series of questions without notice, with the removal of the level crossing featuring heavily in their responses.

Preston will be contested by five candidates, including Family First candidate Rachel Ward, independent Gaetano Greco, Liberal candidate John Forster, Greens candidate Rose Ljubicic, and Preston state Labor MP Robin Scott.

When asked what single Preston project they would fund if they had a choice, each candidate said the removal of the Reservoir level crossing was at the top of their wishlists.

“I think it’s generally well-recognised that Reservoir has needed attention for a long time and hasn’t received that attention, so that’s what I’d fund,” Mr Forster said.

“I think it’s generally well-recognised that Reservoir has needed attention for a long time and hasn’t received that attention,” — John Forster, Preston state Liberal candidate

“We absolutely have to fix transport congestion, we’re one of the fastest growing areas in Victoria, we need the infrastructure to support our growing community,” Greens candidate Rose Ljubicic said.

Mr Scott said the crossing “causes traffic chaos and divides the community of Reservoir”.

“I’m saying it’s time, that it needs to be done now, we’ve waited far too long for this,” Independent candidate and former mayor of Darebin Gaetano Greco said: “If we were a marginal seat it would have been done yesterday.”

“I’m saying it’s time, that (the Reservoir level crossing) needs to be done now, we’ve waited far too long for this,” — Gaetano Greco, Preston state Independent candidate

Family First did not respond to a request to speak with candidate Rachel Ward.

The Reservoir rail crossing intersection was named the third worst redspot for congestion in Melbourne earlier this year. Darebin Council has pushed for the removal of the problematic level crossing.

Preston is considered one of the safest Labor seats in Victoria, with the party holding the seat since 1945.