A safer Clarence Park Rail Station was one of the many undertakings I made at the last local government election. My blog post-dated 7 October 2018 refers.

As I indicated in that blog post, I have witnessed may an incident where train drivers have been forced to sound their warning devices because someone is attempting to cross the line to either get to or leave the station. I repeat my observation therein that this should not be the primary safety response.

Action taken to date

Many of you would be aware that I took this concern to our local member, Jayne Stinson (member for Badcoe), late last year. She wrote to the Minister who indicated he would investigate the safety.

With the news that the suburb of Clarence Park would be part of the seta of Elder after the 2022 State Election, I have also canvassed the current member for Elder, Carolyn Power. She too has undertaken to speak with the Minister, Cory Wingard.

A worsening situation

We all know that the Tonsley rail line has been extended to the Flinders University/Medical Centre. As a result of this, there are increased services on the combined Seaford/Flinders line at Clarence Park. There is also a far greater number of express train services traveling through Clarence Park.

Electric trains are quieter than the old diesel trains as I indicated back in 2018. This made for a much less safe environment than before the electrification of the line when there were gates. With so many now being express, the danger is increased significantly. Way more than when I made the election commitment to pursue a safer Clarence Park Rail Station. And that on top of the increase in danger.

Backing up the two local State members.

In the pursuit of a solution and in support of the approaches noted above I have now moved a motion in Council for Council also to send a letter to the Minister. Jennie seconded the motion. It was carried unanimously.