South Barwon MP calls for greater access to station

Waurn Ponds station (Supplied) 268326_01

South Barwon MP Darren Cheeseman is calling on the community to sign a petition to improve access to Waurn Ponds train station.

Mr Cheeseman said despite a major redevelopment of the station, community members have raised concerns about the station’s accessibility by pedestrians and cyclists from Mount Duneed.

“The Waurn Ponds station upgrade is an exciting project constructing a second platform, pedestrian overpass, hundreds of new car parks, better security, and a new station entrance. The upgrade means that commuters will enjoy a greater frequency and reliability of services,” he said.

“Major works are finished, and only smaller works remain over the next few months before services can make use of the new duplicated line, which the community is greatly looking forward to.

“I was proud to promise this upgrade at the last election, and I am proud to be delivering it to completion.

“Despite this major investment at the station, many community members have raised with me concerns that the upgraded station is inaccessible to pedestrians and cyclists from the southern side.

“Pedestrians wishing to access the station who live in Mount Duneed currently need to travel around Baanip Boulevard and face a substantial journey.

“I have always shared these concerns and that is why I am advocating to the state government to connect the Baanip Boulevard pedestrian footpath to the southern side of the newly upgraded Waurn Ponds station.

“This will improve accessibility and provide greater utility to the station, which will be so important for residents south of the rail line.”

The petition is available at bit.ly/3HFE3A5.