On behalf of a Rowville constituent, Rachel Payne MP called on the Minister for Water to restore a walking trail near a Melbourne Water owned detention basin. This trail provided pedestrian access to amenities that are otherwise inaccessible on foot, due to a lack of footpaths on the surrounding arterial roads.
Wednesday the 27th of November, 2024
Victorian Legislative Council
RACHEL PAYNE (South-Eastern Metropolitan)
My constituency question is for the Minister for Water, Minister Shing.
My constituent is a resident of Rowville who is dismayed at the closure of a local trail near the Police Road water detention basin. Rowville locals regularly use the trail as an access route to schools and healthcare services. It is the only nearby passage connecting the neighbouring suburbs to the east and the west. Without it, pedestrians must travel kilometres along busy arterial roads with no footpaths.
My constituent prepared a petition and collected almost 100 signatures from similarly frustrated locals. Melbourne Water has stated that the track closure is due to safety concerns. However, they did not provide transparent information to residents or engage in community consultation before closing this essential path.
So my constituent asks: will the member advocate for a prompt restoration of this trail?
Response Received 19th of December:
I thank the Member for the South-Eastern Metropolitan Region for the question.
I am pleased to confirm the Police Road retarding basin has now re-opened for pedestrian access. Melbourne Water temporarily closed this area while critical safety upgrades were undertaken.
Thank you for your advocacy on this matter.
Hon Harriet Shing MP
Minister for Water
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