The City of Casey Council has pushed the State Government to provide more time for residents to have their say on the Camms Road level crossing removal.
The plans for the removal of the crossing were released in late June, showing a road bridge to be built over the rail line.
The project was slated to be completed a year ahead of schedule and residents were asked to provide feedback via an online survey.
At the time, the council encouraged Casey residents to complete the Government’s survey quickly due to the fast-tracking of the project.
Now, the council has revealed it has successfully lobbied for a longer consultation period so that more people can share their thoughts.
The online survey will now close on Sunday 8 August.
City of Casey chair of administrators Noelene Duff said the survey is an opportunity for residents to view the proposed road-over-rail design and give feedback, which the council hopes will influence the outcome of the much-needed Cranbourne to Clyde rail extension.
“Council is seeking the Camms Road level crossing removal design to be aligned and delivered with the rail extension,” she said.
“A recent council survey shows 97 per cent of residents support the extension, which will improve connections to the services and places residents access and take the pressure off the roads in the region.”
She said the planned extension of the Cranbourne line to Clyde would be a “game changer” for the community, and linking the level crossing removal to the extension design now – rather than completing the projects separately, as is currently the State Government’s plan – will create better outcomes.
Last month, Casey Council announced its disappointment in the State Government’s proposed design for the level crossing removal, which would see 18 properties compulsorily acquired.
“The road bridge option being presented will result in significant impacts, including the removal of at least 18 properties and limiting future options for the precinct,” Ms Duff said.
“Council suggests a better alternative would be to elevate the rail line at Camms Road, upgrade the old Cranbourne Station, keep the line up over South Gippsland Highway and create new stations at Cranbourne East, Casey Fields and Clyde,” Ms Duff said.
Earlier this month, Andrew Pepllinkhouse, project director at the Level Crossing Removal Project, said the construction of a road bridge over the Camms Road crossing would future-proof the line for the extension to Clyde and possible upgrades to Cranbourne Station.
Visit https://engage.vic.gov.au/lxrp-cranbourne-line-upgrade to take the survey on the Camms Road bridge design.
The survey closes on Sunday 8 August.
