Second class service

IT SEEMS to be an occupational hazard that the Premier of Victoria ends up governing not for the state but the capital city.

Living in Melbourne, working in Spring Street, even a Premier such as Dan Andrews who went to school in Wangaratta can come to think the known world extends only as far as the tram tracks.

From the city centre of Geelong to Warrncoort and Lara, most of us have had a horror run in with a dodgy crossing.

But all 50 level crossing removals being undertaken are in Melbourne.

That’s right: Not one in regional Victoria.

The Opposition point out a quiet crossing in Werribee that is being removed while nothing of the sort will occur in Geelong. This is good news for Werribee and while the intersection may be a worthy fix it begs the question: How is Werribee any different in its crossing needs to urban Geelong?

The answer, of course, is that it is not — except for being less of a thriving metropolis that is closer to Spring St. There is no logic to it whatsoever.

When in Melbourne, Transport Minister Jacinta Allan spruiks the wonder of the removals. When talking to the regions it’s the wonder of ‘upgrades’.

Gee, aren’t we lucky to be getting these upgrades — boomgates and ding dings.

Nothing that will stop a truck careening into a passenger train, or even help you get home a little faster from work.

Mr Andrews describes the crossing removals in these terms: “Saves lives and it means that people can get home or to work much quicker.” Doesn’t that sound nice? Just not for us apparently. Crossing removals are an excellent idea. Pushing rail lines underground, where possible, partially funded by selling the land on top is an even better one.

Mr Andrews and Ms Allan are unlikey to change tack on this Melbourne-centric roll out.

But the Opposition should pledge to broaden the program outside of Melbourne.