Some more last-minute changes for the RRL project, this time further along at Manor Lakes. As with the realignment of the Footscray section, these changes are presented by the Government and DoT as an example of effective consultation. To affected residents and communities, this is just looks like another example of poor planning. Why weren't these improved options presented in the first place?

Media release from the Minister for Public Transport
Wednesday, 29 September 2010

Victoria’s major new rail line, the $4.3 billion Regional Rail Link, will be constructed in a full-depth cutting through the community of Manor Lakes. Minister for Public Transport Martin Pakula today joined the Member for Tarneit Tim Pallas and Member for Lara John Eren to make the announcement on the site where the new tracks will be built. Regional Rail Link is jointly funded by the Gillard and Brumby Labor Government with the Commonwealth contributing $3.2 billion and Victoria the remainder.

“The first major new rail line for metropolitan Melbourne in 80 years, Regional Rail Link will connect people in the city’s booming west with jobs, education, recreation and services,” Mr Pakula said. “Following community consultation and further engineering design work, we are able to announce today that the new line will be placed in a full-depth cutting through Manor Lakes. “The cutting will be up to eight metres in depth and will run between Lollypop Creek and Ballan Road, Wyndham Vale.”

Mr Pallas said the Brumby Labor Government had listened to the views of the local residents about the vision they had for their thriving community. “Building the new line in a full-depth cutting through Manor Lakes will help preserve connectivity and will remove the need for an elevated overpass where the rail line intersects with Manor Lakes Boulevard,” Mr Pallas said.

Mr Eren said the Regional Rail Link team will work with the local community to minimise disruptions during the construction. “Building the new line in a cutting through Manor Lakes will remove the need to compulsorily acquire land from the Our Lady of the Southern Cross Primary School,” Mr Eren said. Also today, Mr Pakula announced the release of a major Regional Rail Link work package to market.

“Today, we are inviting Expressions of Interest from prospective tenderers to build the Deer Park to west Werribee section of the project – including the Manor Lakes track alignment announced today.

The Regional Rail Link project team will hold community information sessions at Tarneit and Wyndham Vale on October 7, 9 and 12 (the weeks following the school holidays) to provide information and receive feedback on the proposed new alignment through Manor Lakes.

Session times and venues are attached.

Manor Lakes
Wyndham Vale Christian Centre
418-438 Ballan Road Wyndham Vale VIC 3024
(Mel ref: 204 K1)

Thursday 7 October         Anytime between 4:30pm – 7:30pm
Saturday 9 October         Anytime between 1:30pm – 4:30pm

Tarneit
Tarneit Community Centre
150 Sunset Views Boulevard Tarneit VIC 3029
(Mel ref: 202 G2)

Saturday 9 October         Anytime between 9:00am – 11:30am
Tuesday 12 October         Anytime between 5:30pm – 8:00pm