Sky-high poll numbers leave residents unmoved

A SURVEY showing huge local support for the south-east sky rail proposal has been greeted with scepticism by Noble Park residents living near the project.
The EY Sweeney survey, commissioned by the State Government, quizzed more than 2600 residents who lived within three kilometres of the rail corridor between Caulfield and Dandenong.
The raised-rail project, which eliminates nine level crossings – including three in Noble Park – found 82 per cent residential support.
Among 711 Greater Dandenong residents, there was even higher approval – 87 per cent.
That latter sample included 115 door-knocked residents, who lived up to three kilometres from Noble Park’s three level crossings to be eliminated.
The catchment area was designed to “capture the views of the broader community”, according to EY Sweeney.
Some households in Cranbourne and Pakenham were also included in the survey.
Mile Creek Residents Group spokesman Eric D’Cruz said the “academic” findings didn’t reflect the high dissatisfaction in Douglas Street, Noble Park.
He said 50 of the street’s households west of Chandler Road were unanimously against the sky rail project due to noise, its perceived ugliness and the train tracks being moved closer to homes.
“All the people in our road have signed a petition (against the sky rail’s proposed route).
“It’s a totally different opinion if you’re living next to it.”
Chris Papapavlou, who lives near the Corrigan Road level crossing, said he “didn’t buy” the survey.
“What does it tell you that with the Springvale (rail under road) project, we didn’t hear boo from anyone, not a vibration of criticism.
“(With sky rail) more than 5000 have signed petitions to Parliament, forming protest groups here and there … this is typical of the government to feed us that baloney.”
The survey also found a high approval rating among 63 Noble Park railway commuters (81 per cent) and 48 Greater Dandenong traders (79 per cent).
A nett total of Greater Dandenong respondents thought it would reduce train noise.
The most nominated perceived benefit was reduced road congestion.
The biggest concerns were perceived disruption to road users during construction, and the visual impact of the bridges.
Public Transport Minister Jacinta Allan said the research showed strong support among locals.
“Whether reducing congestion, running more trains or opening up kilometres of new, parks, bike paths and open space – this project is good for business, good for passengers and good for these communities.
“The support of locals is bolstered by strong support from transport experts and advocates like the Public Transport Users Association, RACV, Bicycle Victoria and others.”
Opposition planning spokesman David Davis described the survey as “political polling”.
“If (Premier) Daniel Andrews is so confident that his dud sky rail is so popular, he should have no concerns about attending some of the local rallies being held by the local community.”
– CAM LUCADOU-WELLS