DPTI believe the rail revitalization projects have reached the point where no further consultation is required. The angst still exists however and residents have indicated they are “over it”.

And here is my message to the State Government. The residents of Black Forest, Clarence Park & Millswood are part of a seat (Ashford) that they can ill afford to lose but are doing their best so to do. These people are not not pleased with what has happened to them and what continues to happen along the rail corridor.

By my observation there is much yet to be done on the project and disruption sufficient for them to treat us fairly with some warning of works, particularly the night works that are still impacting on the lives of the people of Black Forest, Clarence Park & Millswood. The trouble as I see it is however that they don’t know themselves what they are doing next.

As someone involved in construction for over 40 years my observations are that the contractors making the most disruption are reacting to issues (maybe signalling or the like). Hard to forewarn of that of course. Having said that they could level with us that they are having problems.

My experience is builders, departments, people don’t want to admit to having difficulties as they perceive they will look like idiots. My experience again those that do not communicate they are having difficulties look like idiots.

To be fair we had a letter prior to Christmas to indicate that there would still be some disruption. But that was 3-4 weeks ago, far from specific.

It has not been some disruption, it has been significant and a number of residents have shared their frustration with me on this. I too have experienced this being only 30 m off the line at Clarence Park.

A group of us shared experiences at a street meeting this morning and we were all subject to the same concerns.

• Work commencing after midnight without warning.
• Intrusive flashing lights
• Hammering of metal on metal
• Consistent loud and audible swearing by workers. (these guys are frustrated over something too)