2026 Victorian Election Candidates
Highett Commitments – 2026 State Election Candidates
The HPA is a non-partisan community association and does not endorse political parties or candidates. We recognise however that the 28 November State Election is potentially very significant for Highett, related to the future of the Suburban Rail and Level Crossing Removal projects and increased housing density as proposed in the Plan for Victoria.
The Nepean Highway divides Highett between the two Electoral Districts of Sandringham and Bentleigh. In early October, the HPA asked all candidates in each District for their views and commitments related to Highett. The following questions were sent to the Greens, Labor, Liberal, One Nation and Victorian Socialist candidates in each District. Attached are the responses as received.
1. Highett Level Crossing Removals: Removal of the Level Crossings on Highett and Wickham Roads has recently been postponed from 2029 to 2033, much to the disappointment of many residents. What is your position on the removals and schedule? What commitment, if any, do you make to advocating for timing to be maintained or accelerated, independently of the Suburban Rail Loop status?
2. Suburban Rail Loop: The HPA has not expressed a view on the politically sensitive SRL as either a rail or housing project. We are focussed on seeking the best outcomes for our community, assuming the project proceeds. Do you broadly support the SRL plans? What revisions, if any, would you seek?
3. Open Space Commitments: Construction of the SRL East Cheltenham Station in Highett and associated bus interchange will significantly reduce the public open space on Sir William Fry Reserve. Although a partial replacement corridor is under development along the rail line, many residents seek, as a minimum, a commitment to full replacement of the lost space, and ideally an increase to support the planned doubling of population. What is your position on additional open space near Sir William Fry Reserve including on the former Gas Works site? What specific commitments do you make in terms of advocating for open space were you to be elected?
4. Bay Road Redesign: The SRL East current plan is for Bay Road traffic to be narrowed to one lane each way near Southland Shopping Centre, including under the rail bridge. What is your position on this planned constriction? Please explain your rationale.
5. (Sandringham Candidates only) Bay Rd Pedestrian Crossing near Tibrockney St: Residents have since 2014 voiced concerns on pedestrian safety when crossing Bay Road near the Aldi supermarket following many ‘near misses’. The HPA has been advocating for a pedestrian crossing with traffic signals to be installed without delay. What is your position? What is your commitment on timing and advocacy?
Brad Rowswell MP
State Member for Sandringham (Liberal)
and
Tynan Putt
Liberal Candidate for Bentleigh