Rail fail continues in Eltham North
by James Poyner
24th August 2026
THE COMMUNITY around Coolabah Reserve, Eltham North has been emboldened by Council advocacy and “safety measures” along the adjacent stretch of railway line to continue to apply pressure to the State Government to address a connectivity issue that has literally split a community for decades.
A 1.9 kilometre stretch of railway line between Wattletree Road and Allendale Road separates a community from direct access to essential services such as Eltham North Primary School, Edendale Farm, Eltham North Dog Park, sports facilities, and the Diamond Creek Trail.
A long-term resident of the area, David Baxter, started a petition to construct a formalised, safe crossing at Coolabah Reserve in 2023 but has told the M&N Bulletin the need for a crossing at this point has been a community issue for decades.
“I lived near here and went to school at Eltham North in the early 90s, and the community was trying to get the crossing built then.”
Mr Baxter has stated a case for a 230-metre footpath and pedestrian rail crossing between the corner of Coolabah Drive and Moola Place and the Diamond Creek Trail/Edendale Farm, which would put the community facilities on that side of the railway line within a short walk for those living near the reserve.
Presently, those wishing to make the journey must walk, ride, or drive an additional 1.2 kilometres, including along sections of busy road, to access Eltham North Primary School and surrounding facilities.
He also stated that while Google Maps estimates the walk to be only 17 minutes, that can be extended with small children.
“And then you’ve got to get home, and then do it again later that day, that’s two hours out of your day, and it is also very impractical.”
Mr Baxter said since starting the petition, advocacy has been ramping up.
“We’ve got over a thousand signatures now, which is pretty big for a very local issue, and Council unanimously accepted it in February last year.”
Recently, Nillumbik Mayor Naomi Joiner, and Deputy Mayor Kate McKay, posted a reel on social media, endorsing the issue of the Coolabah Crossing as part of Council’s suite of advocacy priorities.
“We are seeking a State Election commitment to undertake a feasibility study for a safe, signalised pedestrian rail crossing at Coolabah Reserve,” said Nillumbik’s Mayor Naomi Joiner.
We call on all candidates to commit to fully fund and deliver the crossing and associated safety works, ensuring safe access for children and families and reconnecting Eltham North.”
The Victorian Liberal Party candidate for Eltham, Paul Brynes, has also talked about this issue, posting a reel on Instagram in late June.
“I’m on board, Nillumbik Council’s on board, let’s get the State Government on board”, he says during the post.
Published community survey results and a letter to then Minister for Public and Active Transport, Gabrielle Williams, in late July, sent by Eltham incumbent Vicki Ward MP, demonstrate that Ms Ward is also behind trying to get the crossing built.
However, on the day Ms Ward was given the Public and Active Transport portfolio, following the Labor Party’s leadership spill, additional fencing was erected on the Edendale Farm side of the line in response to a damaged culvert.
An email from Ms Ward’s office, seen by the M&N Bulletin, advises that the additional fencing is a temporary measure while the works are undertaken.
Mr Baxter told the M&N Bulletin that over decades, subsequent fencing along the Edendale Farm side of the crossing has pushed those choosing to cross the railway line at that point closer to the culvert, and the new fencing has made it very dangerous to safely navigate around the small creek the culvert connects to.
However, Mr Baxter is hopeful the extra light being shone on the lack of a crossing at Coolabah Reserve will finally result in the crossing the community has been advocating for.
“I’m desperately hoping that this is built sometime next year.
This has been on the table and being talked about for a long time.
It’s time to build it now.
There shouldn’t be another generation of school kids missing out on being able to walk to school.”
Mr Baxter added that as candidates begin to campaign and door knock ahead of the November election, the community should seek to keep this issue front of mind.
“We need people to be calling and writing to their local member, but also talking to the candidates in the lead-up to this election, making sure they’re asking them, what are you going to do to help get this built?
If any of the candidates are knocking on doors, that should be question number one: what are they going to do to help us get to the school safely and get access to those services?”
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