By CAM LUCADOU-WELLS
URBAN rail design experts, who are in favour of sky rail “so long as it’s done well”, will speak in Noble Park next week.
The meeting will host academics Dr John Stone, of University of Melbourne, and Ian Woodcock, of RMIT, to speak on the controversial sky rail concept that will eliminate Noble Park’s three level crossings.
The pair recently wrote on The Conversation that there were many benefits to well-designed elevated rail.
The benefits include economic and social development around stations, linear parks and quiet streets for pedestrians and cyclists, less disruption to traffic and trains, and better passenger views.
Residents near the affected Noble Park level crossings have voiced objections about loss of privacy, noise and visual impact.
The academics wrote that visual screening can be added if necessary to protect backyard privacy.
Noise can be reduced by high-quality design, good maintenance and low-height sound baffles, but freight trains posed “special issues”.
The meeting will be chaired by Greater Dandenong councillor Roz Blades and co-hosted by Public Transport Not Traffic and Public Transport Users Association.
It will feature a group workshop and call for nominations for a sky rail community delegation.
The meeting is at the Paddy O’Donoghue Centre, 18-34 Buckley Street, Noble Park on 5 April, 6.30pm to 8.30pm. Details: eleisha.mullane@ptua.org.au
