Wait is on for new station

By Bridget Brady
TRAIN users will have to wait until at least 2015 until the Cranbourne East Railway Station is built.
The State Government this week announced the $200 million project as part of its $38 billion transport plan.
The station, which has been on the drawing board since 1999, is likely to be built west of Reynard Place and north of the Blue Hills Retirement Village.
Cranbourne MP Jude Perera said he was especially pleased with the announcement, which also included the construction of a station at Lynbrook.
“Delivering the best transport system in Australia will mean people in the Cranbourne area will spend less time commuting and more time with family and friends,” Mr Perera said.
Casey-Cardinia Community for Public Transport president Alex Makin said Lynbrook station was a project that could be achieved now.
“It’s pleasing to see that Cranbourne East is finally recognised but it’s disappointing that it is so far into the future,” Mr Makin said.
State Government media spokesman Michael Sinclair said the construction of Cranbourne East is expected to begin between 2015 and 2018, and Lynbrook station is expected to commence in 2010.
He said the rail extension would be about two kilometres long.
South Eastern Metropolitan MP Inga Peulich said the decision to put Cranbourne East on the agenda must not be “another hollow promise”.
“We will all be relieved when the project is underway and not just at the PR announcement stage, but I am not holding my breath,” Ms Peulich said.
“This is the fourth announcement of the Cranbourne East Railway Station and the community has good reason to be sceptical.”