Member for Morwell Russell Northe will submit a number of questions in Parliament asking why the State Governments “Gippsland Rail Corridor Station Upgrade Program” has failed to deliver on a number of promises to upgrade Latrobe Valley train stations.
In April 2017, the State Government announced with much fanfare that it would be upgrading Moe, Morwell, Traralgon and Trafalgar Stations. Within that same media release it was announced that 100 new car spaces would be delivered at Traralgon railway station and 60 new car spaces at Morwell railway station.
It appears that less than 100 promised new car spaces have been delivered at Traralgon, and of great concern is that the latest plans for Morwell totally exclude the addition of even one new car space. The State Government needs to fess up and explain to the Morwell community why previous media announcements refer to plans for 60 new car spaces at Morwell but current plans make absolutely no mention of any new car spaces.
“Car parking at Morwell station has been problematic for some time and quite rightly our local community were supportive of additional parking in and around the Morwell train station precinct; however it now appears the Government has tried to hide the bad news,” said Mr Northe
In addition the State Government also promised upgraded toilets, improved waiting areas and lowered ticket counters for Moe, Morwell, Traralgon and Trafalgar Stations, and it seems these important improvements either haven’t been delivered or are not planned to be delivered in the future.
It is very difficult for Gippsland commuters to have any faith in the State Government at the moment given the constant delays, disruptions and cancellations to services, but to also dud commuters of the benefits that were planned for local train station upgrades – well this can only leave a sour taste in the mouth of local commuters.
“The State Government needs to explain to the Latrobe Valley community why plans for the “Gippsland Rail Corridor Station Upgrade Program” have changed so dramatically and explain if and when all aspects of their April 2017 media release will be delivered – or not” Mr Northe said.
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