Avenel residents have fought for safer rail crossings for years, and a Liberal and Nationals Government will deliver $1.5 million to upgrade the Bank Street and Ewings Road pedestrian crossings.
The works will include automatic gates, improved disability access and new footpaths to make the crossings safer and easier to use.
The Nationals Member for Euroa Annabelle Cleeland MP said the community had been raising concerns about the crossings for years, with a serious accident at the Bank Street crossing highlighting the need for action.
“This is something the Avenel community has been asking for, and they have been right to keep pushing,” Ms Cleeland said.
“People should be able to walk through their own town without worrying about whether they will make it safely across a railway crossing.
“The community has advocated, Council has advocated, and after a serious accident the need for action could not be clearer.
“Now there is a commitment to actually fix it.”
Ms Cleeland said the upgrades would deliver practical improvements for pedestrians, including children, older residents and people living with disability.
“Automatic gates, proper footpaths and accessible crossings are basic safety infrastructure,” Ms Cleeland said.
“Avenel deserves crossings that are safe, accessible and fit for the community that uses them every day.
“This is about listening to the people who have been raising this issue and getting on with the job.”
The investment will be delivered under the Liberal and Nationals Fair Share Guarantee, which will lock in 25 per cent of new State Government infrastructure investment for regional Victoria.
“For too long, regional communities have had to fight to get basic infrastructure that should not be controversial,” Ms Cleeland said.
“Our Fair Share Guarantee means regional communities like Avenel will get their fair share.
“For Avenel, that means safer rail crossings and finally delivering the improvements this community has been asking for.”
Leader of The Nationals, Danny O’Brien said the commitment was part of the Liberal and Nationals’ team Fair Share Guarantee, locking in 25 per cent of the State’s infrastructure investment for regional Victoria.
“Avenel should not have to compete with Melbourne for every dollar of infrastructure investment,” Mr O’Brien said.
“Regional Victoria deserves its fair share, and this commitment is about backing the Avenel community’s safety and investing in the future of the town.”
