Kingston Council is calling on the Victorian Government to reconsider its planned approach for the Aspendale Level Crossing Removal Project, advocating for a rail-over-road solution that reflects community feedback and lessons learned from recent projects along the Frankston line.
While a rail-under-road trench solution was announced for Aspendale in 2022, Council believes an elevated rail design would now deliver better outcomes for the Aspendale community, local businesses and the environment.
The call follows extensive community consultation undertaken by Council earlier this year, which found more than three-quarters of respondents supported a rail-over-road solution.
Mayor Georgina Oxley said Council was wanting to work constructively with the Victorian Government to take a fresh look at the project before final decisions were made.
"Our role is to speak up for our community and advocate for the best possible outcome for Aspendale," Cr Oxley said.
"Since this project was first announced, we've had the benefit of seeing how other level crossing removals have transformed neighbouring communities and we've heard overwhelmingly from local residents about what matters most to them.
"That's why we're calling on the Victorian Government to collaborate with Council and reconsider the current approach and seriously examine a rail-over-road solution that would better connect our community, create valuable public space and deliver lasting benefits for Aspendale."
Council's consultation attracted more than 540 submissions, with 76 per cent of respondents favouring a rail-over-road solution.
The feedback highlighted the community's desire to maintain strong connections between the shopping village, beach and lifesaving club, while creating more open space, improving pedestrian and cycling access and protecting Aspendale's coastal character.
No matter what engineering solution is chosen, the project must deliver these nine key outcomes:
- Strengthen the neighbourhood activity centre
- Better connect people to the coast
- Create new public realm and open space
- Make getting around safer
- Complete Kingston's cycling network
- Secure the rail corridor as a habitat corridor
- Balance parking with place
- A distinct Aspendale Identity
- Promote climate resilience
Cr Oxley said level crossing removals presented a rare opportunity to improve local places and should be designed with long-term community outcomes in mind.
"Having experienced more Level crossing removals than any other Council we know they are about much more than transport infrastructure. They are once-in-a-generation opportunities to improve how people move through a neighbourhood, strengthen local shopping areas and create better public spaces for the community to enjoy," she said.
"Based on what we've heard from residents and what we've learned from other projects, we believe a rail-over-road solution offers the greatest opportunity to achieve those outcomes.
"It would better connect people to local shops and the beach, create new public open space, improve walking and cycling links and avoid some of the challenges associated with building a trench in a low-lying coastal environment.
"The Victorian Government has an opportunity to work with us and deliver a project that not only removes a level crossing but leaves a positive legacy for Aspendale for decades to come."
Council has submitted its advocacy position to the Victorian Government and will continue working to ensure community priorities are reflected in the project's planning and delivery.
