Welcome to this Autumn edition of the Beaconsfield Banner. The Banner is available on our BPA website www.beaconsfield.org.au and printed copies are available in the town at businesses including the Beaconsfield Post Office and Beaconsfield Pharmacy.
A significant local issue we are dealing with is the Level Crossing Removal Project (LXRP), and in particular, the level crossing at Station Street, Beaconsfield. Work on the project continues at a fast rate and, at times, works are happening 24/7. This results in temporary road closures and bus disruptions. In particular, works have continued on the road bridge overpass which is overwhelming in size and will significantly change the landscape. In early December some BPA members and local residents attended the Local Community Reference Group to discuss concerns of local residents with the LXRP works. The meeting was arranged by Michael Galea MP. Updates on the works are provided monthly by LXRP and indicate that the project is progressing well and should be completed mid to late 2025. Fifty seven pylons for the bridge were completed and work is well underway on the Overpass (all 427 metres of road).
A Survey was conducted by LXRP for a name for the road bridge overpass as it is a new road. The names put forward were Rushton Road, McKenna Drive, Nott Drive and Parklands Drive. A recent article in the Pakenham Gazette indicated a preference for McKenna Drive based on the level of responses. It has since been announced that it would be named McKenna Drive. It is proposed that McKenna Drive will be open for traffic from Monday 24 March.
For future place names, Cardinia Shire Council encourages locals to nominate extraordinary individuals who have left a notable legacy within the community to be included in the Victorian governments’ Name a Place campaign. This campaign spotlights local heroes for commemorating them when place naming new streets, parks, community facilities and buildings. BPA recently received a Cardinia Shire Wellbeing / Support Grant of $1,000 for our Operation Christmas Trees and decorations in Beaconsfield. This year was a fabulous display with 11 trees at 4 locations. The local community including Beaconsfield Primary School, Beaconsfield Tennis Club. BPA and co-opted members were involved with special displays and also lots of bows on trees. Thanks to Bronwyn McCormick and all her well organised team of helpers. There have been many positive comments from the community. We hope to be able to do even more decorations with the help of the community next Christmas.
The upgraded Jim Parkes Reserve looks great and was officially opened on 23 January. Guests included Cardinia Shire Mayor Cr Jack Kowarzik, Cardinia Shire Councillors Brett Owen, Alanna Pomeroy and Casey Thomsen, S.E. Metro State Government members Michael Galea and Lee Tarlamis, the family of the late Jim Parkes, Penny Harris Jennings, Ted Owen and BPA Members. The project was equally funded by Cardinia Shire Council and the Victorian State Government. (More details and photos in this issue of the Banner).
The works on Bonette Reserve and Beaconsfield War Memorial are nearly complete and it is looking good now that the seating has been installed. The Interpretation plaque has just been installed a few weeks ago and looks very good. The Beaconsfield Anzac Memorial Service will be held there again this year on Sunday 20 April commencing at 2pm. We hope you can join us. (More details in this issue of the Banner).
Carols by the Creek was held at Bob Burgess Reserve on Sunday 22 December with in excess of 1,000 people attending. The community enjoyed joining in singing the Carols with the choir and band. Thanks to all the organisers and sponsors, especially Gynn and his team from Beaconsfield Baptist Church.
Graeme Taylor
President
Beaconsfield Progress Assoc. Inc.
