All aboard for free forum to hear latest on Rowville Rail plan after 49 years of talks
ROWVILLE Rail campaigners are pushing full steam ahead in lobbying for the long-awaited transport link.
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ROWVILLE Rail campaigners are pushing full steam ahead in lobbying for the long-awaited transport link.
The public will get a chance to hear updates on the plans and quiz politicians on its progress at a forum at 7.30pm this Friday, August 10.
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The event will hear from Aston federal Liberal MP Alan Tudge, Rowville state Liberal MP Kim Wells, feasibility study author William McDougall and filmmaker Shing Hei Ho, who made the “No Pain No Train” documentary.
It comes as the state and federal governments continue to jostle over whether it will be light or heavy rail.
Mr Tudge said ahead of the forum: “My preference is for heavy rail but there is an ongoing discussion with the State Government who prefer the light rail option.”
Forum organiser Mick Van de Vreede said there was clear support for heavy rail and, if built, Rowville would become one of the busiest train stations in the outer east.
“We have waited 50 years. Enough is enough,” he said.
“It is our turn now, the Rowville Rail needs to be delivered quickly or we will drown in a sea of traffic and our quality of life will decay even further.”
The Federal Government has allocated $475 million for planning and pre-construction work, however only $23 million of that will be delivered before 2021-22.
In April, the State Government said it was setting aside $3 million for design work on a tram route linking Caulfield railway station to Monash University’s Clayton campus, with stage two extending to Rowville.
Hayley Bester, spokeswoman for state Public Transport Minister Jacinta Allan, said the government was continuing work on its detailed plans for a tram route connecting Caulfield to Rowville.
In a statement, she said that included looking at alignment options, park and ride options, stop locations and cost and time travel benefits.
She added: “Constructive discussions are continuing with the Commonwealth”.
Knox Council has pledged its support for heavy rail.
Councillor Darren Pearce, who represents ratepayers from Rowville in the Taylor Ward, said a recent letter-drop survey found the majority of respondents wanted heavy rail.
Of the 185 votes, 133 said heavy rail was the only option they would support, while 47 said they preferred heavy rail but would be happy with light rail if it was the only alternative and could be delivered in the next 10 years.
The free forum is at 7.30pm, Friday August 10 at St Simons Parish Hall, 2 Taylors Lane Rowville. No registration required.
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