Liam McNally
About 80 Diggers rest residents gathered to form their own preferred plan for the level crossing removal on Old Calder Highway on Wednesday, July 12.
As a part of the government’s statewide level crossing removal plan, the crossing is due to be replaced with a bridge over the rail line in 2025.
The government is undertaking site investigations in the area to decide the best place for the new bridge.
Some residents became concerned about the level crossing removal proposals after a site investigation work notification letter was sent to residents in November last year.
The investigation works letter, which has been seen by Star Weekly, highlights an area from the end of Stan-Payne Reserve, over the railway line, and up the railway line parallel to it and Tame Street, to Diggers Rest-Comadai Road.
The area appears to cover parts of residential properties sparking fears that if the plan goes ahead certain properties may be up for compulsory acquisition by the government.
In recent months the government has held community consultations but has not confirmed the final design for the bridge or if any privately owned land will be earmarked for acquisition.
The state government confirmed designs are yet to be finalised, but some land outside the rail corridor may be required.
A spokesperson said the government will continue to consult affected property owners and the local community as the project progresses.
Diggers Rest resident Bob Rau organised the Wednesday town meeting at the Bowling Club, after being encouraged by the Level Crossing Removal team to create a vision for the bridge that residents support.
Mr Rau said the starting point for the meeting was that although no official decision had been made, residents assumed the current preferred option was the path the investigative works are on, which was of “great concern”.
During the meeting residents “almost unanimously” decided on one of five options for the bridge Mr Rau drafted, which would cross the railway line further south and include a bypass road connecting the Old Calder Highway to Plumpton Road.
“I have never seen an example of such a unanimous decision in 30 years … People said it would not disturb the people in residential streets nearby,” he said.
“I was particularly pleased with the turnout, the government should be entrusting the intrinsic common sense of the good people of Diggers Rest.”
The residents’ proposed plan will be submitted to the government.
