Hi Folks,
Over the last few weeks I have been busy contacting and meeting with the prospective councillors for the Swipers Gully and Edendale Wards for the upcoming Nillumbik Council Election. I have shared detailed information on the proposed pedestrian rail crossing at Coolabah Reserve with them and sought their support and advocacy.
For Edendale ward, these candidates have provided relevant statements for me to share with you. Each statement is separately authorised, not by me.
----
Michael Schillaci
As a candidate for Edendale in the upcoming council elections, I fully support the construction of a pedestrian rail crossing at Coolabah Reserve. Growing up just a stone's throw from the area, I find it hard to believe that residents still lack a safe option to cross the rail line. If elected, I am committed to advocating for this project to finally become a reality.
Authorised by Michael Schillaci PO Box 437 Eltham 3095
----
Alex Grimes
The proposed pedestrian rail crossing in Eltham North is a wonderful proposal! It will make travelling for walkers, cyclists, and kids going to school easier and safer and it will reduce the number of cars on the roads in the area. Access to the dog park, Adventure Playground, ENPS, and Edendale Farm are vital for those not just in Edendale, but Swipers Gully too. If we want a healthy and active community, we need to ensure that people have the infrastructure to be healthy and active. If elected, I would gladly work with the Swipers Gully Cr and the State Government to get this installed.
Authorised by A. Grimes, Factory 1, 1637 Main Road, Research
----
Andrew Bakos
Thank you for alerting me to the issues associated with crossing the railway line at Coolabah - Edendale Farm area.
I have signed petitions on the matter over many years along with looking at this issue whilst on the school council / facilities team over at Eltham North Primary School and look forward to any insight you may have on how to progress this or another nearby site to further connect our community safely.
Historically the very short sight lines between cuttings there along with the adjacent waterway have been a safety issue so we would be looking at how we could mitigate the risk or possibly, move across to the Murrays wetland bridge site in a functional way that can improve navigational issues there.
I look forward to meeting with you to discuss positive avenues of connectivity.
Authorised by Andrew Bakos PO BOX 384 Diamond Creek 3089
----
Kelly Joy
Thank you for bringing to my attention the problem of accessibility across the train line for the Eltham North Primary School zoned community. I understand the importance of this issue to the local residents (not only those whose families attend ENPS) and that there have been previous attempts to resolve this issue. If elected, I commit to recommend that council explore and consider options to improve accessibility across the train line in the vicinity of Coolabah Reserve.
Authorised by Kelly Joy, PO Box 145, Diamond Creek 3089
----
Kind Regards,
David Baxter