Member for Morwell Russell Northe is planning to submit a written request for information in Parliament asking the state government why commuters cannot yet see works underway from previously announced upgrades to train stations in the Latrobe Valley.
The independent lower house MP was comparing a media release from Public Transport Minister Jacinta Allan from April last year and the station upgrades underway listed on VicTrack’s website.
Mr Northe said many people in the community were thrilled when the government announced there would be an additional 60 car spaces at Morwell railway station.
“So to now have the situation where through the upgrade program there’s absolutely no reference 12 months later to any new car spaces at all, I mean, it’s extremely disappointing for many of our regular commuters,” Mr Northe said.
The state government announced last year 100 new car parks at Traralgon station and improved accessibility and upgraded toilets and waiting areas for Moe, Morwell, Traralgon and Trafalgar stations amongst other improvements as part of the Gippsland Rail Corridor Station Upgrade Program.
Mr Northe said there was no reference to new car spaces at Morwell under the latest construction plans from VicTrack.
“I think the people of Morwell and Latrobe Valley require an explanation from the government why they haven’t delivered on that particular commitment and promise,” Mr Northe said.
Advance Morwell chair John Guy seconded Mr Northe’s concerns about car parking in Morwell.
“Parking at the station has been a problem of many years,” Mr Guy said.
“First thing in the morning you have to drive around the town and find a parking spot a couple of blocks away.”
Mr Guy said he was expecting an explanation from the state government as to why the plan had changed if additional car parking spaces were not on the agenda for Morwell.
Mr Northe will submit questions on notice to Public Transport Minister Jacinta Allan who will have 30 days to clarify which announced station upgrades would be delivered at all four local stations.
