Springvale Asian Business Association president Tom Huynh at Springvale Train Station says the organisation backs a City of Greater Dandenong plan to place the line underground.
By Shaun Inguanzo
THE Springvale Asian Business Association (SABA) has given its toot of approval to a council plan to have a rail line placed under Springvale Road.
SABA president Tom Huynh said it would increase trade and property values for Springvale traders, as well as residents, if the Department of Infrastructure (DoI) approves the council’s suggestion.
Greater Dandenong CEO John Bennie and mayor Youhorn Chea are meeting today (Thursday) with the DoI to discuss the submission at length and to convince the DoI of the benefits of having the rail line grade separated from Springvale Road.
“It would help traffic go a lot smoother through Springvale,” Mr Huynh said.
“We are always having the railway crossing block the traffic when a train passes through, and it makes it hard for people wanting to travel to Springvale to shop because they know they’ll just get frustrated.”
Mr Huynh said that while SABA supported grade separation, the only foreseeable drawback would be that an increase in property values could drive Springvale’s cheap shopping to become more expensive.
But with plans to start a Sunday market full of second hand goods and produce, Mr Huynh said SABA still supported grade separation.
“Trade in Springvale is very healthy at the moment.
“I think Asian groceries, seafood and butchers are seeing business expanding,” he said.
“We are looking forward to maybe developing a Sunday market organised by SABA.
“We are trying to do it every Sunday to help a lot of new migrants who will be able to buy second hand stuff.
“The idea came up last year but we haven’t had enough time to speak with council about it properly.”
Mr Huynh said a similar market had just closed down in Wantirna due to its land being acquired by developers.
He said that created the opportunity for a similar market in Springvale, with free admission.
