By Casey Neill
Lilydale residents are encouraged to share their ideas about removing the town’s level crossing.
Yarra Ranges Councillor Richard Higgins told the Tuesday 27 August council meeting that people were concerned about the plan to elevate the rail line above Maroondah Highway.
“Hopefully the community can stick together,” he said.
Cr Higgins said he’d visited Murrumbeena, where the line was recently elevated.
“I hope we’re not getting what they got down there,” he said.
“It’s a concrete jungle. It’s atrocious.”
He said he supported raising the line but “we need to make sure that it’s futureproof and something the community actually wants”.
On behalf of the Lilydale Township Action Group, Neal Taylor told the Mail that parking was the biggest concern.
Up to 450 new and upgraded car parking spaces have been included in the Mooroolbark level crossing removal project, but there’s been no mention of extra space at Lilydale.
Mr Taylor said other issues raised at recent community meetings included what the space underneath the line would be used for; traffic flow; how bus services might be affected; and lift, stairwell and ramp access, including access for Lilydale High School students without the need to cross the road.
“There is some concern about the trees on Maroondah Highway there in Lilydale, the avenue of honour, and making sure that nothing’s harmed there,” he said.
The group also wants to ensure the heritage-listed rail station is well used following the redevelopment.
“This is an opportunity now for Lilydale to really take the next step up and use this as a positive thing for us,” he said.
“We straddle being a country town that’s grown up into a suburban town.”
Another public workshop was scheduled for 1pm on Saturday 31 August at the senior citizens hall in Lilydale.
“It’s a good chance to get together and hear some fresh ideas,” Mr Taylor said.
Those ideas as being documented and will be passed onto the council and the Level Crossing Removal Authority (LXRA).
