By Ruza Zivkusic
DERRIMUT MP Telmo Languiller has released his comments on the death of a man hit by a train at the St Albans railway crossing – more than a week after the accident.
In a media release sent to Star last Friday, Mr Languiller expressed his thoughts for the man’s family saying “it is important to follow the rules at level crossings and to be careful”.
The move has been described as “disgraceful” by longstanding St Albans crossing campaigner and St Albans Traders Association secretary Asip Demiri, saying the St Albans community was still in disbelief over the man’s death.
He said he was surprised that Mr Languiller managed to comment because he is the “non-existent” member in the area who was “busy being in court and giving evidence for drug dealers” following last week’s revelations.
“I’m appalled, I call on the man to resign and to apologise to the community, especially for the families of all the victims that have lost their lives at the level crossings,” Mr Demiri said.
“We’re asking the Government, including Mr Languiller, how do they sleep at night and justify that the way they’re going to improve the area in St Albans is by leaving the crossing exactly as it is?” he said.
Mr Languiller said the Government had a long-term comprehensive strategy to address safety and improve traffic flow at the Taylors Road, Main Road and Furlong Road level crossings.
“The Government has already committed $54 million to the strategy, which will see an underpass constructed at the Taylors Road level crossing, which carries the highest traffic volumes of these crossings,” Mr Languiller said.
A contract had been awarded for the project and works were expected to start in April.
He said VicRoads was consulting with Brimbank City Council and stakeholders regarding options for the proposed bypass of Main Road, including an underpass at the railway line.
“This is the strategy’s next priority and will reduce congestion and delays on Main Road and improve road safety,” Mr Languiller said.
“The strategy’s third and final element is the grade separation of the Furlong Rd level crossing. While the strategy outlines indicative timings for the first two priorities, it proposes that the timing for this third element be considered after the first priorities are delivered,” he said.
Mr Demiri said the community was never consulted about the proposal.
“It is back to front, it is without the community’s approval,” he said.
