Media Release: road changes & RRL consultation

We've prepared a media release about the proposed road changes to Hopkins Street. These changes are being made as part of the works to be done on the Hopkins Street bridge. And we shouldn't really say "proposed", they seem to be a done deal—despite no consultation with Footscray residents about how they would affect us. And, if the RRL can be used to push through changes to roads, why couldn't it be used as an opportunity to make changes that would benefit pedestrians and cyclists, like better crossings, designated bike lanes and wider footpaths? It appears that the government is not really interested in the long-term liveability of Footscray.

For interest: accident statistics for the Moore/Hopkins Street intersection

Flattened pedestrian crossing sign at the Moore/Hopkins Street intersection

RRL issues 2013: parks and pedestrians

It's been a while since we last posted. The Regional Rail Link works have started in earnest and we've all just been trying to get on with things, for the most part.

We're still keeping a watchful eye on issues related to the RRL, though—we asked what noise mitigation strategies could be applied to the RRL works, to buffer our homes and our community from increased train noise. The State government is currently developing a noise policy for rail projects, similar to what exists for road construction projects. We hope to hear news about that in the next month or two.

We're also worried about the effect of the RRL on Fordham Reserve—we wrote to both the Minister of Planning and Transport, RRL CEO, Council and others before Christmas about a complete lack of consultation (read more here). This is a popular community park and playground, and we're hoping the RRL will leave the park in good order—with a properly designed park-rail boundary rather than just a bit of wire and cement. We'd also like to see the park expanded into the land acquired by the RRL, up to Hopkins Street.

Access issues are also on our minds. There are going to be some significant changes to Hopkins Street, for example, that we feel don't reflect the needs of the community—for example, you'll no longer be able to turn right onto Cowper Street from Hopkins. We want to see better access between east Footscray and the station, and safe paths for pedestrians and cyclists to travel to the station, school and work.

We thought we should also rename this blog, since Railway Place was saved, and to better reflect ongoing community issues relating to the changes in Footscray.

More soon!

Track words to widen the rail corridor adjacent to Fordham Reserve, January 2013