MPs on same track

A NEW railway station to service Pakenham’s growing western fringe has been supported by both sides of politics.
Bass Liberal MP Ken Smith and Gembrook Labor MP Tammy Lobato used vastly differing words to send a similar message to Transport Minister Peter Batchelor highlighting a train station to service Lakeside and other estates in the area as one way of easing public transport woes.
A lack of bus and rail services has been rated by residents, business operators, service providers and Cardinia Shire Council as possibly the district’s biggest problem.
The local MPs each spoke in State Parliament recently on the need to improve transport services in the district.
Ms Lobato called on Mr Batchelor to request an investigation into the viability of a new train station.
Ms Lobato said the rapidly growing population in the southeast corridor, particularly in the Pakenham area, meant that a study assessing the viability of a Lakeside station deserved thorough scrutiny.
Ms Lobato said that along with other infrastructure needs that were already being addressed, transport was a key area of concern for residents and needed to keep pace with the population increase.
“On the basis of offering environmental alternatives to motor vehicle use and to provide localised services, the concept may have merit,” she said.
“I strongly recommend that the minister take action to commence a thorough feasibility study into the viability of a Lakeside station.”
Ms Lobato’s comments were in contrast to Mr Smith, who delivered a stinging criticism of the State Government’s work in this area.
Mr Smith said public transport in Pakenham was in an appalling state.
He said a new railway station at Lakeside was of extreme importance.
“The development backs on to the MelbournePakenham electric train line and it is of extreme importance that a new railway station is built in this area to provide a service that suburban people consider to be the norm,” Mr Smith said.
“The council has provided the land adjacent to the track and Cardinia Road.
“This could also be said for the Heritage Springs and Blue Horizon estates Henley estates which also back on to the railway line, and the estates to the east of Pakenham, namely, Cardinia Lakes and Fallingwater.
“Currently, 55 to 60 families a week move into the Cardinia shire area … young people, families and seniors who are coming to an area that has no proper public transport and they do have some expectations that public transport should be available to them.”