By CASEY NEILL
A DECISION on closing Abbotts Road needs to be fast-tracked to give businesses certainty, Dandenong MP Gabrielle Williams has said.
On 1 April she asked the Level Crossing Removal Authority to prioritise investigations into ‘the Remington Drive option’ for removing the Dandenong South level crossing.
It’s one of five options on the table, but the only one that would close Abbotts Road and build an overpass linking Remington Drive with Pound Road West as an alternative route.
“I am conscious that some businesses may have leases and other contractual arrangements coming up for decision and this option may have an impact on those decisions,” Ms Williams said.
“If it doesn’t stack up, it’s better they take it off the table sooner rather than later so businesses have certainty and so we clear the air for feedback on the other four options.”
Ms Williams said it was clear that closing Abbotts Road was causing anxiety among the business community in the immediate area and consultation feedback needed to be assessed quickly.
Trish Bull from Arco Restaurant, off Abbotts Road, said the business would be forced to close its doors if Abbotts Road was closed.
“Sadly, jobs will be lost,” she said.
“It’s a very worrying, stressful and uncertain time for our staff, some who have been here for eight years and are supporting young families.
“They need and must be factored into this debate.”
