Members Statement
More than three weeks prior to the beginning of the Sandringham line closure on 21 May I wrote to the Premier and six senior statutory office-holders.
I sought assurances that this Labor government, its contractors and its agencies would use this rare opportunity to safely access the railway line and clean up graffiti along this train corridor.
I received no substantive response.
But far from being disappointed by the inaction of government, I instead convened a citizen army—local residents united with a common purpose—to clean up this blight of graffiti.
Just over a week ago, this citizen army cleaned up to 30 metres of fence line destroyed by graffiti, and they did this without the assistance of the Andrews Labor government.
I wish to commend the community action of Richard Cadman, Yolanta Cadman, Terry Reynolds, Phil Lovell, Phil Badman, Geoff Bramsbury and Ken Beadle.
Whilst I am disappointed that the government has let this great chance to beautify Sandringham’s entire rail corridor go begging, I am so very proud of these community members.
The few who have mocked their efforts, such as those sitting on the opposite side of this chamber, have no idea of their persistence, their sense of altruism and the genuine humility with which these people go about their tasks.
It is inspiring that they feel no need just to simply say, ‘We say what we do’; they just go about doing it.
