Cade Lucas
Hobsons Bay council said it is “extremely disappointed” with the state government’s decision to proceed with the controversial closure of Champion Road as part of the Newport Level Crossing Removal Project (LXRP) despite strong community opposition.
Last week the state government released new designs for the Newport LXRP which it claimed reflected community feedback.
But despite opposition from local residents, traders, Hobsons Bay council and both state and federal MPs representing the area, plans to close Champion Road to traffic and replace it with a pedestrian bridge across the train lines instead, remain.
Hobsons Bay mayor Daria Kellander said council had presented the government with a number of alternatives to closing Champion Road, which it argues will cause traffic gridlock, risk public safety and damage the environment.
Cr Kellander said that in deciding to go ahead, the state government was effectively telling council and the local community that their voice didn’t matter.
“It is upsetting and disappointing to see this divisive closure continue against every piece of public feedback that has been given,” she said.
“We will continue to advocate for what our community wants, and that is to keep this vital thoroughfare open.”
Councillor for Williamstown North ward, which covers Champion Road, Michael Disbury, said the community was disappointed that the state government had broken another promise.
“They said they’d listen to us, but have now confirmed the Champion Road level crossing project will proceed without any changes,” Cr Disbury said.
The state government has continually defended the decision to close Champion Road, arguing that the presence of fuel pipes along the train lines and its close proximity to the Newport rail yards, meant a sky rail option like that proposed for nearby Maddox Road, wasn’t feasible.
The new designs released last week also include extending Akuna Drive to connect Maddox Road with Champion Road.
As revealed by Star Weekly, land set aside for the Akuna Drive extension is currently being examined for traces of asbestos, though the LXRP has assured nearby residents they are not at risk.
Colourful architectural screening, a new pedestrian path and more car parking, trees and shrubs are also included in the new designs which are available for public feedback at: engage.vic.gov.au/lxrp-newport
