Lib’s station focus

By Ed Merrison
OPPOSITION Leader Ted Baillieu visited Ferntree Gully Railway Station last week to discuss the possibility of upgrading the facility to premium status.
Mr Baillieu was accompanied by Ferntree Gully Liberal candidate Nick Wakeling on Tuesday, 1 August to look at the possibility of an upgrade that would involve increased lighting and security, an enclosed waiting area and manned platforms.
Mr Wakeling, who brought Opposition transport spokesman Terry Mulder to the site in June, has been holding ongoing talks with local traders for about five months to discuss issues of safety, vandalism and graffiti in the area.
Local police have also been involved in the consultation process.
“This is a prime candidate for an upgrade,” Mr Wakeling said.
“Many people do not feel safe at unmanned platforms, not only at night but also during the day,” he said.
No funds have been pledged and it is not yet known how much an upgrade would cost.
“This is something that’s a big issue for the area.
“The Government’s been in power for seven years and hasn’t addressed the problem so I’m taking up the mantle on behalf of the people of Ferntree Gully,” Mr Wakeling said.
Ferntree Gully MP Anne Eckstein said upgrading the station was also on her wish list but said the move would not be called for had the Kennett Government not downgraded stations in the first place.
“It’s something that over time I’d like to see happen, but it wouldn’t be necessary if the Libs hadn’t flogged off the (public transport) system and pulled quite a lot of staff off stations.
“I’m really sick of the Liberals trying to reinvent history. We had premium stations – they were all premium stations, they were all staffed,” she said.