Where next for the Regional Rail Link?

A number of us have been to visit the information sessions about the Regional Rail Link. We've been pleasantly surprised by the staff who have been at the sessions to answer questions, who have been friendly and frank. See, answering our questions makes us feel better, not worse!

Though the general route has been released, finer details are yet to be determined. (The final plans are due to be complete in about three months). For example:

• The RRL team will be discussing with the Salvation Army exactly how much of their land is required (the site of the old Footscray pool) and will investigate the possibility of curving the lines so that the railway reserve on the other side of the tracks is used instead.
• It's not yet clear which track will cross over which for the flyover near the Maribyrnong River and exactly where the flyover will occur.
• They aren't sure yet exactly how much land along Buckley Street will be required.

Apart from the residents of Buckley Street, the other places affected that we know of are the two auto businesses either side of the Hopkins Street underpass, part of the land attached to the block of flats at the corner of Fordham Reserve, a sliver of Fordham reserve and of course the businesses adjacent the railway in the Joseph Road precinct. The car park on Irving Street next to the station will be used for new platforms. West Footscray station will be moved further west.

Anyone who is affected by the new route should make a written submission to the Department outlining your concerns. Also include any ideas you have, however small, on how the effects of the new tracks on your property & neighbourhood could be lessened. (For example, if your house will now face a railway line, how can its visual impact be reduced?). Include photographs if they help make your point.

Submissions are due by 19 August 2010 and should be sent to Mr Corey Hannett, Executive Director, Regional Rail Link, Department of Transport, PO Box 2797, Melbourne VIC 3011.

Also, Colleen Hartland from the Greens held a meeting with residents from Buckley Street and elsewhere about their legal rights. A community group has formed to take up the compensation fight.