By Kirsty Ross
THE fight for funding to fix-up Footscray Station will be taken up with the Victorian Premier this week, after concerns it had been ignored for political reasons.
Maribyrnong City councillors will meet Steve Bracks on Thursday to discuss the Footscray Transit City project, an initiative between the council and State Government.
“We’re going to be saying regardless or whether we’re in a marginal seat or not, the community demands to have the investment,” mayor Janet Rice said.
However, a spokeswoman for Mr Bracks said a working group involving VicUrban, the Department of Infrastructure and Maribyrnong Council was being established to identify and develop ways to improve Footscray Station.
“Footscray has been designated a Transit City, and a significant amount planning and research work has already been undertaken.
“The State Government expects Maribyrnong Council to participate constructively in this process so that we can achieve the best possible outcome for public transport users and the Footscray community,” the spokeswoman said.
Cr Rice said it was a “disgrace” the project had not already been given funding despite the station being run down, dirty and hazardous.
Councillors will also write to the Premier, Treasurer, Transport Minister and Major Projects Minister outlining their disappointment at the lack of commitment to Footscray Transit City since the community cabinet of 2004.
Cr Rice said she planned to ask Mr Bracks to make a definite allocation from the already promised $15.2 million to start design works this year, and construction in 2007.
“We were all very hopeful it would get funding from the State Budget,” Cr Rice said.
She said council had not been informed why the station didn’t receive funding, despite no significant investment in more than 100 years.
During the heated meeting last week Councillor Catherine Cumming said the station was neglected because the municipality falls in a safe Labor seat.
“We keep being ignored,” she said.
“We should be climbing Mt Everest – it would be easier.”
Councillor Dina Lynch agreed, saying, “our loyalty is repaid by inaction”.
If the State Government fails to find funding for the project, councillors will instate a public advocacy campaign to bring attention to the run-down station.
The State Government’s response to the action will be reported at a council meeting on 18 July.
