The Andrews Labor Government today released a snapshot of feedback from the first round of community consultation on the removal of nine level crossings on the Dandenong Rail corridor – Melbourne’s busiest.

Member for Dandenong, Gabrielle Williams welcomed the release of the Consultation Report for the Caulfield to Dandenong package of the Level Crossing Removal Project.

This package will remove every level crossing between Dandenong and the city and the report shows overwhelming support for removing these congested death-traps as soon as possible.

Boom gates at a number of these crossings are down for more than 80 minutes in the two-hour morning peak, creating congestion throughout Melbourne’s South East and preventing more train services on the Cranbourne Pakenham line.

The movement of trains, cars, pedestrians and cyclists through the crossings is also very dangerous, putting hundreds of thousands of lives at risk every day.

The Report provides an overview of the more than 1,500 pieces of feedback received from residents and businesses in Dandenong and along the corridor during recent information sessions, as well as key themes from online feedback channels.

The Level Crossing Removal Authority held 23 pop-up information stands at station platforms and community locations, as well as interactive community feedback sessions, community tender advisory sessions, council briefings and trader workshops.

The consultation provided community views on a range of issues, including design, safety and environment. Improving pedestrian and cycling links was a key topic of feedback, and there was strong support for better local parking, and the protection of native vegetation.

The feedback received has been provided to bidders, and will inform the development of their proposals and designs.

The Level Crossing Removal Project: Caulfield to Dandenong Consultation Report is available at levelcrossings.vic.gov.au.