On Saturday 21 November, the state and federal governments announced the long-awaited funding for the Melbourne airport link. I congratulate both Daniel Andrews and Scott Morrison for their bipartisanship in this project, which will benefit Ballarat immensely. However, I still dont for the life of me understand why the essential East West Link hasnt been revisited. It is a no-brainer. It was just a political stoush that stopped it proceeding who cares about the people!
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I simply hope that the Andrews Government has been lobbied by our local state MPs to restore and refurbish our historic central railway station and make it an all-abilities accessible platform to platform facility. I also notice that it is not on our communitys so-called leaders priority list. Obviously, they have access to company cars and dont take the train! More fool them.
Like the many who do take the train will have noticed, all stations on the Ballarat line are now all-abilities accessible after their construction or restoration but not Ballarats historic central station. I simply ask why!
It should also be noted that there is a plan to build two raised areas on the station platforms at either end for access at train floor level for those needing wheelchair access. As I have said until I'm blue in the face, you would think that rather than create more hindrances on our platforms and destroy the historic nature of the station, the rail track could be lowered so as the train floor is in line with the actual platform, this would ensure that the historic platforms remain intact and at the same time the wooden sleepers could be replaced. Yes, there are still wooden sleepers within the station hall.
And of course there are the damaged historic Lydiard Street rail gates. Since the accident in May, this major historic crossing has been closed causing great inconvenience, which is ridiculous. We further understand it may be another year before V/Lines investigation is complete. Why the delay? I have a sneaking suspicion that V/Line wants to get rid of the historic gates and put in boom gates. Guess what is safer? It is the original gates, which can be repaired and have served us well for over 150 years. When are our leaders going to fight for this?
Ballarat is a city of elegance, tremendous history and heritage. Why haven't our elected representatives, or Council, along with other leaders in the community, acted in our best interests to ensure that our magnificent railway station has 21st-century facilities along with disability access as does every other station on the Ballarat line?
Ballarats future is dependent on fast efficient rail services that will benefit all commuters. Its time our governments put people first and importantly act in the best interest of our community. Again, why is the state government not listening?
Ron Egeberg, Soldiers Hill
