Rowville-Rail-Study-Final-Stage-1-Report-FINAL

Final Stage 1 Feasibility Report
Community and stakeholder views
Outcomes included integrating the land use response, improved accessibility,
assessment of economic benefits and land use growth potential.
The following sustainability issues were identified during the community workshops:
reduction of energy use and carbon emissions;
water conservation;
green infrastructure and landscaping;
economic growth and social enhancement;
pleasant environment and comfort;
reduction of environmental impacts; and
good station design and identity.
Analysis of online comments provides an indicative basis to understand public feedback and
input. Table 5 below summarises the number of comments from the public on the blog,
Facebook and forum.
Table 5 - Comments received online by topic/theme during the study
Topic/Theme Comments Likes/votes Key messages
General support 225 794 Strong local community support to build a rail line with an
emphasis on a short time frame.
Operations 122 392 Desire for a regular, direct connection to the CBD.
Social and
economic benefits
Extensions and
alternatives
Integration and
access
84 49 Seen as an important public transport solution for future
growth in the Monash University precinct.
61 24 Desire for future extension further east and consideration of
north-south public transport services.
48 73 Stations should be designed for intermodal access and
transport network integration.
Alignment 36 12 A number of alternative routes were suggested, but most
supported the Wellington Road alignment.
Safety and
amenity
Sustainability and
environment
Station location
and design
34 25 Some concerns were raised about personal safety at
stations, however several responses stated this will be
outweighed by the benefits of a new station.
34 39 Comments suggested rail provides a sustainable travel
choice. There was a desire to maintain open ‘green space’.
25 13 Multi-use stations were seen as both positive and necessary
along with intermodal integration, safety and blending in with
the local urban landscape.
Other 56 41 Some comments related to the cost of a rail line and whether
it was justifiable against other modes of public transport.
TOTAL 725 1,462
Input varied in opinion and depth of comment, however the vast majority of comments
provide strong support for constructing the rail line. This general theme of support was
reflected in comments against all the different themes, for example:
“I strongly support the rail line to Monash University. I spent five years driving to Clayton Campus, as the existing
bus services were inconvenient, over-crowded and often delayed. Given where I lived as a student, I would
certainly have used the proposed rail line. This would have saved me a lot of money in petrol and parking fees.”
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