By Mitchell Clarke
Critical works to remove the congested Cardinia Road and Clyde Road level crossings has continued throughout Stage 4, however vital mailed out project information has been deemed non-essential.
According to the Level Crossing Removal Project, printed works notices and information can’t be delivered through the mail, despite claims that Labor MPs were still delivering electorate newsletters to letterboxes during Stage 4 restrictions.
Liberal Gembrook MP Brad Battin said it was “vital” that residents received up to date information on the progress of the project and interruptions caused to their local streets regardless of restrictions.
Mr Battin said it was “very concerning” for elderly residents who didn’t have access to internet, particularly those living in aged care facilities near the Clyde Road project.
“It is a disgrace that the elderly and most vulnerable in our community will not be updated on service interruptions or changes to the project during Stage 4 restrictions,” he said.
“Mail is able to be delivered at this time and it is a disgrace the Andrews Labor Government are using Covid-19 as an excuse to not provide important updates to those in the local community who will be most affected by the project and its construction.”
It’s understood Mr Battin will write to the relevant Minister in a bid to ensure that anyone bordering the project is contacted via mail.
Labor Bass MP Jordan Crugnale said letterbox drops and door knocks had been paused but would continue as soon as the expert health advice allowed it.
“We have increased our public messaging on electronic signs and posters around project sites to keep locals informed of all works and disruptions,” Ms Crugnale said.
Large mail outs sent through Australia Post can often take up to a month to arrive, meaning the material could often be outdated by the time it got to the resident.
Ms Crugnale added that she was not aware of mass electorate material being sent from Labor MPs.
She said brochures with Covid-19 information were letterbox dropped in June, prior to Stage 4 restrictions.
“I send out a personalised welcome letter to people who are new to the area or the electoral roll. This is done every few months, the last being around mid August,” she explained.
“In terms of electorate wide mail outs, I have not done any since early June.”
Residents without internet access can contact the Level Crossings Contact Centre on 1800 105 105.
