JUNE 8, 2016 \ STARWEEKLY.COM.AU
NEWS + SPORT + THE WEST’S BEST PROPERTY GUIDE
Barking dogs show bite The campaign to ‘gather the pack’ is growing as the Western Bulldogs roar towards an unprecedented 40,000-member milestone. The club is nearing the magic mark for the first time, with a record 38,381 members on board as of Monday. The number of Dogs faithful is already well ahead of last year’s benchmark record of 36,213, the first time the west’s only AFL team has broken the 35,000 member barrier. Campaigns such as the ‘Lost Bulldog’ posters appearing all over the western suburbs have played a part, along with a stellar start to the season that sees the young Dogs in the top four of the AFL. Club chief David Stevenson said the club’s off-field projects are resonating with people, while the club’s on-field performances have been capturing people’s imagination, contributing to the sense of excitement. He says he doesn’t like the idea of being everybody’s ‘second team’ – he would rather be their first – but feels the tag recognises people’s respect for the club. “It’s going to be a great journey ahead.” Membership: www.westernbulldogs. com.au Benjamin Millar
Long-time Western Bulldogs members Helen Cornish, Marie MacItellin, Irene Chatfield, Donna Campion and Janice Chalmers. (Damjan Janevski)
Dual lines to free up Loop
No. 1 cause of preventable vision loss? Not having a regular eye exam. Book a 360˚ comprehensive eye consultation today.
See Better, See Us.
she looked forward to improved services as a result of the partial duplication. “Building a passing Loop to reduce the amount of single track will hopefully lead to less bypassing, although we do need to clarify the impact with the Level Crossing Removal Authority,” Ms Williams said. “At this stage the extent of works and time frame is unknown, but we are cautiously optimistic. “Clarification will also be sought about full duplication because the Public Transport Victoria network development plan only has duplicated tracks running to Seaholme and a single track through to Westona. “The entire project needs to be delivered within a reasonable time as the community
can’t wait another 20 years. “Local people want reliable public transport instead of having to drive.” Hobsons Bay deputy mayor Sandra Wilson said it made sense to do the duplication work on the Altona Loop at the same time as removing the level crossing. “I look forward to hearing more of the detail of the proposed duplication works to understand the scope, time frames, impacts and future service improvements that will result from it,” she said. Construction is expected to be under way by early next year and completed by the end of 2018. Information sessions will be held from 6.30-8.30pm on June 9 and 16 at the Louis Joel Arts and Community Centre, 5 Sargood Street, Altona.
Sports mouth guards starting at $90
Denture Repairs from $70 returned in 1hr* *Conditional on the type of repair method required.
2/73 Douglas Pde, Williamstowns, Vic Ph: 9397 6031
FREE INITIAL CONSULTATION DENTURE CARE CLINIC www.altonadentureclinic.com.au
8 Borrack Square, Altona North
9391 9998
1182408-CG18-15
An 800-metre section of the Altona Loop will be duplicated as part of the Kororoit Creek Road level-crossing removal project. The track will be duplicated south to Kororoit Creek from where the Werribee line meets the loop. Works are expected to be under way by early next year. Public Transport Minister Jacinta Allan said that at present, trains can’t pass each other on the Altona Loop – so if a city-bound train is delayed, oncoming trains are forced to wait on the Werribee line, causing delays on both lines in both directions. Ms Allan said building a second track would
provide a place for trains to pass each other, meaning trains running on time would not have to wait for trains that were running late. “We’re getting rid of the bottlenecks that choke our roads and rail network,” Ms Allan said. The level crossing’s removal will involve constructing a rail bridge over Kororoit Creek Road to carry the existing and new duplicated track. The line will be shut down for up to 90 days. Ms Allan said further duplication would be investigated while works were carried out. She said the decision to partially duplicate the Loop was the result of lobbying by advocates including the Altona Loop Group. Group spokeswoman Jennifer Williams said 1219971-HM10-16
By Goya Dmytryshchak