75. That is how many level crossings have now been removed with the removal of Bedford Road Level crossing in late March which meant the Belgrave Line was back up and about.
It now means that there are no level crossings on the line from Ferntree Gully to the City – a huge change and means it’s now safer and there’s less congestion on our roads.
Virtual ED
Something I wanted to discuss was the Victorian Virtual Emergency Department (VVED), which is a public health service for non-life-threatening emergencies.
It’s Victoria’s busiest ED. With Victoria’s Virtual Emergency Department, we’re making it easier for patients to access the right care, without the stress of rushing to hospital and the good news is we’ve recently added more capacity to the program to help more people when they need it most.
For more information visit, vved.org.au/patients/
Eastern Freeway Upgrades Begin
Upgrades to the Eastern have begun creating a modern Eastern Freeway (and 45km’s of new lanes), keeping traffic moving, while building new bike and walking paths and Melbourne’s first dedicated busway. Starting this year we’ll watch this mega makeover unfold.
Works will kick off from Burke to Tram Roads and by 2028 we’ll slash travel times from Hoddle to Springvale Roads and join the freeway to the new North East Link tunnels.
When complete, we’ll enjoy travel time savings of up to 35 minutes.
Revitalising Boronia
The work of building a better Boronia is continuing to deliver.
Recently, the new façade to EACH on Boronia Road was officially opened – transforming an old blank wall into a bright and open façade.
The works on Erica Ave are nearly finished as well and of course the very popular community breakfast program is continuing to run four days a week.
The State Government has provided significant funding for new streetscape renewals, events, façade improvements and so much more – but there’s more to do.
I’m excited that very soon I’ll be announcing our next round of projects funded via the Suburban Revitalisation Board and of course planning continues on the major upgrade at Boronia Station.
Stay tuned.
In other news
– Announced we’re resurfacing a 2.2km section of Napoleon Road between Kelletts and Glenfern Roads.
– Helped officially open the new Fairpark Reserve pavilion, which the State Government provided $50,000 to help fit-out.
– Visited the construction of the new regional athletics facility which the State Government provided $250,000 to help deliver.
Local Shout-Out
Heather McTaggart has been the manager at The Basin Community House for 16 years and now she’s decided to pull up stumps.
I’m so grateful to have the opportunity to have worked with her in my time in politics.
She’ll be sorely missed. I wish her a very happy retirement!
That is all for this edition, until next time – stay warm, drive safe on the roads and keep well.
And if you are a resident of Bayswater Electorate, please feel free to touch base.
Contact details can be found here, jacksontaylor.com.au/contact/contact/ or call 9738 0577.
