Ministerial Statement: Premier announces community event to celebrate opening ..

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http://www.premier.vic.gov.au/media-centre/media-releases/3503-premier-announces-community-event-to-celebrate-opening-of-cardinia-station.html

Premier announces community event to celebrate opening of Cardinia Station

Monday, 26 March 2012
From the Premier, From the Minister for Public Transport

Premier Ted Baillieu and Transport Minister Terry Mulder today confirmed services will begin at the new Cardinia Road railway station on Sunday 22 April, and the community will have an exclusive opportunity to preview the station on Sunday 15 April.

The Premier and Minister were inspecting the final works at the facility as part of the Victorian Coalition Government Cabinet visit to Cardinia and Yarra Ranges shires today.

Mr Baillieu said services would begin at the station earlier than anticipated because of the Government's efforts to fix another poorly-planned project left behind by the previous Labor Government.

"Our Government has worked hard to not just open the station, but to also overcome the previous Labor Government's failure to build an electricity substation as part of the project, that would provide sufficient power for trains to accelerate after stopping at the new Cardinia Road station," Mr Baillieu said.

"In opposition the Victorian Coalition lobbied hard for the establishment of this railway station for the residents of Lakeside and Cardinia and I am delighted to see that despite the challenges left behind by the previous government, our Government has been able to deliver this project ahead of schedule."

Mr Mulder said the early opening meant that limited peak services would stop at the new station.

"The full power upgrade is expected to be finalised in the second half of the year, when the new sub-station will be completed to boost the supply of power on the Pakenham line, allowing full services to operate at the station," Mr Mulder said.

"In the interim, there will be limited peak services operating every 20 minutes at the station, along with all off-peak services.

"The new station will feature two platforms with ramps for full-time access by commuters with a disability, seniors and parents with prams," Mr Mulder said.

"There will also be car parking for up to 450 cars, bus stops and a taxi rank, closed circuit camera security surveillance, and a secure 'Parkiteer' bike cage.

"Daily patronage estimates indicate that more than 1600 people will use the station by 2021," Mr Mulder said.

Member for Eastern Victoria Region and Parliamentary Secretary for Transport Edward O'Donohue, who fought hard to have the railway station realised, said the new station was important for the continued growth of the area.

"Cardinia Shire is a growing municipality and the station will provide much-needed rail services in the region," Mr O'Donohue said.

"Many families in Lakeside, Officer and Pakenham have been looking forward to the opening of this station for some time," Mr O'Donohue said.

Member for Gembrook Brad Battin said everyone was welcome to attend a preview of the station on Sunday 15 April.

"There is a strong feeling among residents that the station will act as a community hub and meeting place for the people of Lakeside," Mr Battin said.

"A new pedestrian underpass is nearly complete, to provide a safe link between platforms, and this will be open to the community at the event on 15 April.

"The underpass will not only safely connect rail passengers between the northern and southern sides of the railway line but it will also link the adjacent communities of Lakeside Village and Devonia Park, while providing access to the new Lakeside Square shopping development currently under construction," Mr Battin said.

For further information on the station opening celebrations please visit: www.transport.vic.gov.au/stations, free call 1800 1800 078 387 or email ask@transport.vic.gov.au.