Baillieu puts politics ahead of safety in St Albans
Posted: Wednesday, 15 February 2012 | By: Daniel Andrews
The Baillieu Government is ignoring calls to fund a level crossing upgrade for St Albans despite the crossing being ranked number three on an independent priority list and the scene of two recent fatalities, the Leader of the Opposition, Daniel Andrews, said today.
Mr Andrews, with Member for Kororoit Marlene Kairouz, Member for Derrimut Telmo Languiller and Shadow Minister for Public Transport Fiona Richardson today met local residents to discuss concerns about the safety of the crossing at Main Street.
“How money is allocated to upgrade level crossings should be based on safety priorities, not politics,” Mr Andrews said.
“Unfortunately, the Baillieu Government has chosen to ignore the Department of Transport’s priority list and instead spend money upgrading crossings in Liberal-held seats.
“The Premier needs to explain to families why his Government is not focused on making this crossing in St Albans safer.”
Ms Richardson said a crossing at New Street in Deputy Liberal Leader Louise Asher’s seat of Brighton received funding for an upgrade despite being ranked at number 223.
“This is blatant political pork-barrelling by the Baillieu Government that is putting lives at risk,” she said.
Ms Kairouz and Mr Languiller urged the Baillieu Government to provide the funding needed to upgrade the crossing.
“This is yet another example of the Baillieu Government continuing to ignore Melbourne’s West,” Ms Kairouz said.
“The Premier and Minister for Transport need to listen to community concerns and make St Albans level crossing their number one priority,” Mr Languiller said.