MR PALLAS (Werribee—Treasurer, Minister for Economic Development, Minister for Industrial Relations) (09:42):

It gives me great pleasure to update the house on the recent milestone achieved by the Andrews Labor government in my electorate of Werribee: removing the state’s 45th most dangerous and congested level crossing. I welcomed the Minister for Transport Infrastructure recently—indeed last week—to announce that the boom gates at Werribee Street are gone for good, making it the first of three level crossings to be removed in my electorate. Not only does this removal boost safety for commuters and reduce time waiting behind the boom gates for motorists, it allows for future rail services without added congestion. We also announced the design for the open space under the new elevated rail bridge. That will feature a new skate park and fantastic artwork and design based on a traditional Wathaurong story. A pair of giant emu feet will be placed at the base of two bridge columns, the creation of Indigenous artist Vicki Couzens.

Works are well ahead of schedule at the Cherry Street level crossing, which will be removed by Easter, while major construction will begin this month at the Old Geelong Road level crossing, which is set to be removed in 2022. Werribee’s CBD will soon be level crossing free, and I am very pleased that Wyndham residents will benefit from improved safety and less congestion on our roads because of the removal of these level crossings.