Railway House Saved!
Congratulations to the Beaconsfield community for your successful advocacy that has led to the retention of the historic Railway House and the Bunya Bunya tree.
As you know, the Andrews Labor Government has commenced planning for the removal of the Beaconsfield level crossing at Station Street, ensuring that every single level crossing on the Pakenham line will be removed for greater road safety and congestion reduction.
The design for the Beaconsfield level crossing removal will involve constructing a bridge over the rail crossing that will impact upon the Railway House making it unsuitable to continue as a residential home. Therefore the Government will need to acquire the house which led to plans to demolish it.
As a result of your advocacy I met with Minister Allan to inform her of the community’s love for the Railway House and its attribute as a local historic asset. In Parliament I called for the protection of this 135 year old property and spoke about its local significance as the Beaconsfield Station Master’s House.
Railway House will now be retained as a community asset and we will keep residents informed about any process to determine the future use of the house.
Upper Beaconsfield Recreation Reserve Redevelopment Saved!
In another win for our local community, I can advise that the Cardinia Shire have assured me that they will maintain their original funding commitment made to Upper Beaconsfield Recreation Reserve to completely redevelop the community, sports and Scout facility.
Recently the local user groups had contacted me concerned by a proposed scaling back by Cardinia Shire of their previous commitment for a total rebuild. I visited the complex and agreed with user groups that it was vital that this very worn out facility has a complete redevelopment.
The original proposal was for a new building to be built from a funding partnership between Cardinia Shire and the Andrews Labor Government, which through its Growing Suburbs Fund contributed $3.35 million.
I wrote to, and met with Cardinia Shire Council Chief Executive Officer Carol Jeffs to advocate for a complete rebuild and am delighted with the outcome that will see a custom built, multi purpose facility provided for the community.
Thanks to the community’s advocacy, we have worked together to ensure that the needs of residents have been heard and addressed.
Power Saving Bonus
If you haven’t yet claimed your $250 rebate for the Power Saving Bonus and need assistance to do so please make contact and I can help you process it or otherwise go to compare.energy.vic.gov.au
If there are any State Government matters you wish to discuss with me please make contact by phoning (03) 7501 8868 or emailing michael.galea@parliament.vic.gov.au
Michael Galea MP
