The new State Government's "first 100 days" post-election have passed with silence from authorities about the fate of the Tonsley Railway Station (Lynton Ave/Birch Cr, Mitchell Park/Tonsley). Local residents and commuters are urgently seeking information. This update gives details of an upcoming public meeting with the new Minister for Planning, Transport and Infrastructure, Hon Stephan Knoll MP and the current news so far.
MEETING MINUTES
In the most recently published Minutes of Meeting for the DPTI Darlington Upgrade Project Community Liaison Meeting (held on 22 March 2017, Item 4) A Flinders Link Project Update stated:
"Flinders Link design is progressing well. A contractor is yet to be awarded. Prior to the 2018 state election both major parties committed to constructing a new Tonsley station - exact location yet to be confirmed."
Details of the 22 March 2018 minutes are published here: Minutes of these DPTI Community Liaison Meetings can be found here: https://infrastructure.sa.gov.au/northsouthcorridor/darlington_upgrade_project/community_engagement/community_liaison_group_meeting_records
DPTI NEWSLETTERS
On the 16 July, 2018, the Department of Planning, Transport and Infrastructure (DPTI) distributed two newsletters to letterboxes in Mitchell Park and Tonsley about the Darlington Upgrade North-South Corridor. One of them had a paragraph about Flinders Link stating:
"The proposed Flinders Link Project is currently in the planning and design phase, where key elements of the project are being developed and refined... For more information please visit the project website at: www.infrastructure.sa.gov.au/major_projects/flinders_link For all enquiries regarding the project, please email dpti.flinderslink@sa.gov.au or call 1300 928 345"
That link quoted in the newsletter is the same wording from before the state election that still removes the Tonsley Railway Station: "Specifically, the project proposes: ... Removal of the existing Tonsley Station and construction of a new accessible Flinders Station ... The project is currently in the planning and design phase, where key elements of the project are being reviewed to ensure the greatest value and benefits are delivered. Further information will be provided as the project progresses."
FEDERAL MEMBER FOR BOOTHBY
(Flinders Link is jointly funded by both State and Federal Governments)
On Thursday 26 July 2018, Nicolle Flint MP, Federal Member for Boothby reported that the Flinders Link project was still "in the planning stages". When asked about neighbourhood rumours that plans were 'locked in' already, she was adamant that "nothing has been 'locked in' as the official status of the project is still 'in planning' and no contracts have been awarded to do any work on it yet."
STATE MEMBER FOR ELDER
& MEETING WITH TRANSPORT MINISTER
On 1 August 2018, Carolyn Habib MP, State Member for Elder, posted on Facebook that she is hosting a community meeting with the Minister for Transport and Infrastructure, Hon Stephan Knoll: Tonsley Railway Station Community Meeting Thursday, 9 August 2018, 5 - 6 p.m.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/events/273949923337507/
Email: elder@parliament.sa.gov.au
Telephone: 8374 1939
This is a chance to meet the new Transport Minister and show him the importance of access to rail for residents of Mitchell Park and Tonsley. It is important that as many people as possible attend.
It is disappointing that the time chosen by the Minister and Member for Elder is too early for many Tonsley commuters who are still at work (or still on the train) between 5 and 6 p.m. The previous community forum which had a large attendance was on a Wednesday evening at 6 p.m. in February when the weather was warm and there was no late night shopping in the suburbs at the same time - Thursday night retail workers will miss out this time. The Facebook post is only 1 week's notice which makes it difficult for shift workers to rearrange their working hours to attend.
It is likely that there will be no perfect time in the week for such events but do make it known if you cannot attend and would have liked to do so.
Contact details for our local MPs etc. can be found on the main page of this petition and are linked in an update from that page.
Alternatively one can email this petition campaign: savetonsleystation@gmail.com or join the discussion on the Tonsley Station Friends Facebook Page run by Tonsley residents: https://www.facebook.com/groups/438999896555463/ or leave a comment or begin a discussion on Change.org in the comment boxes at the end of each petition post and update.
Rug up, everyone and see you at the meeting, rain, hail or shine. We have only had a week's notice so it is urgent: tell your neighbours and fellow train travellers - spread the word! Thank you again for your continued support.