Ms THEOPHANOUS (Northcote): My adjournment matter is for the Minister for Roads and Minister for Road Safety and the TAC in the other place, and the action I seek is for the minister to accompany me to Station Street, Fairfield, to observe the intersection at Wingrove Street.
Station Street, Fairfield—or, as locals call it, Fairfield Village—is a celebrated area in my community. It is home to a variety of eateries, including CH James, Nikos, Pantheon Cakes and Mamma Says; fine food grocers including Biviano and Sons, Cardamones and Gusto Bakery; as well as speciality shops, including Fairfield Books. Fairfield Village is also home to Fairfield Primary School, St Anthony’s Primary School, Fairfield railway station, Fairfield Bowling Club and the wonderful Fairfield Community Centre, including Fairfield Library. I could go on, but rather than name every one of the fantastic traders at Fairfield Village, I encourage members to get down there and see for themselves.
But the main intersection at the railway line is essentially the intersection of Station Street and Wingrove Street. It is the main access route to and from Fairfield Primary and the station, and on the other side of the line is Railway Place—the main access route to St Anthony’s school and St Joseph’s Melkite Catholic Church. The intersection is an area of high pedestrian traffic, and other than the boom gates it is not signalised. All of this leads to some very hairy moments, largely borne out of turning vehicles, cyclists growing frustrated and people ducking traffic to get across the street. We know that when people grow frustrated and become impatient they take risks. The last thing I want to see is risky behaviour turning into a tragedy.
I want to thank Paul Wallace, the principal at Fairfield Primary on behalf of the school community, and the Fairfield Village traders and residents who have come to discuss the intersection with only the best intentions.
Something needs to be done to improve the intersection. I know that some locals have suggested this would be an ideal site for a level crossing removal project—probably the same locals who are appreciating just how great the Grange Road project has been. I have also heard others calling for a pedestrian crossing or lights rather than clearing the crossing for increased traffic that might have a negative impact on the wonderful village atmosphere at Fairfield.
Whatever the solution, something must be done to improve the safety and access for my local community in and around Fairfield. I look forward to the minister accompanying me to Station Street, Fairfield, to observe the intersection at Wingrove Street and maybe sample the coffee at a local eatery.
