By Kyra Gillespie
Traffic woes on Racecourse, McGregor and Cardinia Roads have been the talking point for residents this week with Star News’ Congestion Day.
During his visit to Pakenham on Tuesday 9 October, Premier Daniel Andrews was quick to dodge congestion-related questions.
When asked by the Gazette why Cardinia has been neglected in Labor’s highly publicised level crossing removal project, the Premier failed to answer the question, instead touting the crossings already completed in other areas.
“We committed to removing 50 level crossings – the 50 most dangerous and congested. We said we’d have 20 gone by the end of this year, and I think we are at 29 now so we are well ahead of schedule,” Mr Andrews said.
“I’ll have many more announcements to make in different areas, in all those areas that we have focused on – schools and hospitals, roads and rail. And I look forward to being out and about in these next seven weeks making lots of different announcements.”
The question still remains as to why Frankston received a level crossing removal at Overton Road, with a daily traffic count of 4000, compared with McGregor, Racecourse and Cardinia Roads, which yield a daily count of 12,000 to 14,000.
“Labor removed the crossings where they had safe seats; they do it where they will get the most political gain,” frustrated Pakenham resident Steve Reymond said.
“We are not a marginal seat, so they do whatever they want.”
