By Candice Boyle
IMMEDIATE action must be taken to avoid a tragedy at a level crossing in Yarraville, according to concerned community members.
An action group has been formed to campaign for improved traffic management in Anderson St as a result of residents’ safety concerns.
An accident last month between a garbage truck and a train at the level crossing beside Yarraville Station was no surprise for the residents who are keen to see plans to improve safety in the area.
An underpass or overpass at the crossing have been cited as possible solutions, although action group member Sarah Benson said a holistic approach to improved safety and awareness is needed.
“It’s not just the issue of the overpass or underpass, this is just one of the pieces of the puzzle.
“We also want to look at ways Anderson St could become one way or different ways traffic flows could be dealt with by removing parking from one side of the street,” she said.
Ms Benson and her partner were two of a dozen members of the community who attended a recent meeting held by Greens MLC Colleen Hartland to discuss ways of improving safety at the the level crossing.
“We went along to hear what the plan was and everybody was very keen to form an action group. We have a lot of work ahead of ourselves but it is very encouraging to see people from all walks of life concerned about the same issue,” she said.
Residents discussed their experiences and concerns about the crossing since the closure of the pedestrian underpass a decade ago.
Ms Hartland said she was thrilled with the responses and ideas of the residents who attended the meeting.
“They are such a calm, capable group of residents. They know what they want — a safe crossing — but they are open to ideas on how to get there," she said.
Ms Hartland said the action group had her support, but would exist separately to the Greens Party.
“I think this is very important. Rail safety should not be an ‘us versus them’ issue. I will help the group but I don’t want to control them. We can all work together,” she said.
Ms Benson said the group was keen to gather the issues and ideas of other business and community members.
“We are very concerned residents and we want to get information and ideas together. The more support we can garner in the community the better chance we have of getting something done.
“We don’t want it to take someone dying for something to happen,” she said.
Ms Benson said rail, road, pedestrian and car safety must be addressed to make the crossing safer.
“The lack of pedestrian access is an issue, every day we see kids with iPods in their ears running across the crossing when the boom gates are down.
“I cringe sometimes, I have to close my eyes and look away as I just can’t watch — you keep expecting something to happen,” she said.
Ms Benson said the group’s message is simple.
“Everybody who lives here just wants the village to be as safe and accessible as possible,” she said.
The group will meet at the Yarraville Senior Citizens Centre in Fehon St on Thursday 9 August at 7.30pm.
Western Metropolitan member for the Upper House Martin Pakula has also offered his support for improving the safety at the crossing.
In a letter to mayor Michael Clarke, Mr Pakula said the responsibility of traffic management issues in Anderson St rest with the council.
Mr Pakula said he wanted to meet council officers and mayor Cr Clarke to further discuss the issue.
