St Albans level crossing hot election issue

THE removal of the “death trap” level crossing on Main Rd in St Albans is shaping up to be one of the hottest topics in the electorate.

A view of the level crossing on Main Road in St Albans on April 26, 2013 in Melbourne Australia. The crossing is the scene of numerous fatalities and members of the local community are lobbying for improved safety.

THE removal of the “death trap” level crossing on Main Rd in St Albans is shaping up to be one of the hottest topics in the electorate.

Six candidates are vying for the safe Labor seat of St Albans.

Running under the Labor banner is former Brimbank Council Mayor Natalie Suleyman who, if elected, will make her return to politics.

Ms Suleyman served three terms on the council but did not seek re-election in 2008.

Ms Suleyman was named in an investigation by the Victorian Ombudsman that looked into corruption at the council.

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In 2009, the Ombudsman’s report was released and the recently elected Brimbank councillors were sacked by the State Government, although no-one was ever charged.

In her current position, Ms Suleyman said “only Labor” would remove both the Main Rd and the Furlong Rd level crossings.

“It’s very important and very clear that both of them have been death traps,” Ms Suleyman said.

In April this year the Liberal Premier Denis Napthine announced $200 million for a grade separation at Main Rd, to be completed in 2017.

Liberal candidate Moira Deeming said Labor had already had several years in power to remove the Main Rd level crossing. She said Labor first promised to remove the crossing in 1982.

“I think I’m really proud that the Napthine Government has actually paid for it and it’s done, even if we lose the election,” Ms Deeming said.

But the only independent candidate running for the seat of St Albans, Irena Teresa Klajn, said she was fed up with the electorate being “neglected” by both major political parties.

She said the current proposal to upgrade the level crossing was a “third-class grade separation”.

“At this stage we haven’t received confirmation in writing that they will even put in lifts in St Albans, all they’ve saying is they’re going to put in provision for a lift,” Ms Klajn said.

Voice for the West candidate Pat Aumua said too many people had died at the Main Rd intersection, despite promises from Labor and Liberal members “election after election”.

Apart from the level crossing issue, Mr Aumua, Ms Deeming and Greens candidate Lisa Asbury all highlighted a need to better engage the area’s youth with education and training.