By Maria Jarmain
The controversial Champion Road closure is planned to go ahead despite fierce community and Council opposition.
In a recent statement Hobsons Bay City Council said they’re ‘extremely disappointed’ in the State Government’s decision to carry on with planned closures of Champion Road despite the dissatisfaction of the local community, Council and businesses.
Earlier this month the State Government announced that the closure of the Champion Road level crossing as a part of the Level Crossing Removal Project (LXRP) will be getting the green light. New designs reflecting some community concerns have been released but the permanent closure of Champion Road is still in the plan.
According to the Victoria’s Big Build website, the designs include a view of a new Akuna Drive link road. This will provide a connection between Champion Road and Maddox Road which will open prior to the closure of Champion Road.
Designs also include a cycling and pedestrian bridge over the rail line, providing more paths for locals to walk and cycle, a new recreational area, architecturally designed panels across the rail bridges, as well as adding more vegetation to the area by planting trees, shrubs and more grass.
The State Government made these additions to reflect the community feedback, but locals continue to protest the project, with many left wondering if the ALP is really listening to people in the West.
The Mayor of Hobsons Bay City Council Cr Daria Kellander says “Champion Road is a vital thoroughfare for our community. Closing it will only achieve division and create headaches for those who use it.”
One of the leaders of the Keep Champion Road Open campaign, Gill Gannon, continues to advocate for the community to fight against the closure, encouraging people to speak up about their concerns.
Gannon says that the local community must “…continue protesting because I believe there is opportunity for changes to be made throughout the process” to keep the connection between Williamstown and Newport open.
In a consultation report released by the State Government in November 2024, they claim that the permanent closure of Champion Road is the only possible solution to removal of the level crossing. Due to several disturbances – such as underground fuel lines, train stabling yards or private property acquisitions other alternatives like a sky rail or underpass have been deemed unfeasible.
“The State Government are completely unrelenting and completely close-minded to the needs of the community”, says Gannon.
A spokesperson for Hobsons Bay City Council says, “Council remains opposed to the closure of Champion Road and will continue to seek for the project to be paused,” stating that: “both Council and community feedback has been largely ignored.”
The Council continues to advocate for potential alternatives to the closure.
“Council has provided the LXRP for their consideration a number of alternatives”, the spokesperson said.
“These alternatives would keep Champion Road open and not divide the Newport and Williamstown communities.”
Have your say, provide feedback at engage.vic.gov.au/lxrp-newport.
