As a long suffering Geelong V/Line commuter, the progression of the Regional Rail Link project is very welcome. It will improve reliability and the predictability of the timetable, and therefore travel times into and out of Melbourne.
Unfortunately, as is often the case with major infrastructure projects, residential properties need to make way for some aspects of these projects to be completed. Nobody likes it, but as long as the bodies controlling the projects are honest, open, upfront and – most importantly – adequate compensation is provided for those who are losing their homes, there is usually a way forward.
| Rail Demolition: Footscray Residents Still Waiting for Official Word |
This is why I am really disgusted about the “impotent” way in which the state government has handled the process of “community consultation and notification” for the RRL project:
“Mr Pallas said officials had done “all that I think could be reasonably expected” to advise people of the acquisitions.”
Yeah – “all that could be reasonably expected” – except actually notifying people! See? Impotent! Get out of your offices and go knock on people’s doors!
These are the people in charge of this state! If it wasn’t so serious, it would be hilarious.