For years, as the head of the Disability and Diversity program at the Migrant Resource Centre North-West Region Inc., Astourian has been a tireless advocate for the “forgotten ones” - people with disabilities, migrants and the elderly.
Today, his fight is focused specifically on Sydney Road, in the heart of Melbourne’s northern suburbs, where trams run, but don’t stop for everyone.
None of the stops along this historic stretch of road are universally accessible. And with the imminent closure of the Upfield railway line due to level crossing removal works, there’s a real risk that an entire community will be cut off from public transportation.
Astourian has brought attention to this looming crisis by organising a campaign that will culminate in a public demonstration, scheduled for Saturday, June 28 at 11 a.m. at Coburg Mall.
“The lack of accessible stops affects anyone who cannot easily get on and off a tram,” he explained, “People with disabilities, the elderly, parents with prams and those with temporary impairments.
“Replacement buses and taxis are not adequate alternatives.”
Astourian proposes raising the road level at designated tram stop points to create step-free, direct access. This approach has already been implemented on High Street in Northcote, Bridge Road in Richmond and in Melbourne’s CBD.
Meanwhile, over 7000 signatures have already been collected through petitions presented to both Houses of Victoria’s Parliament. Astourian has also been in discussions with the Merri-Bek City Council, which has expressed strong support for the demonstration and allocated $5000 to fund public initiatives.
“I’m not asking for the whole of Sydney Road to be transformed,” Astourian clarified, “Five accessible stops at strategic points would be enough.”
He estimates a cost of between $3-5 million per stop - just a tenth of the total budget allocated for the rail works.
The Victorian government has reiterated its commitment to a more inclusive transport system, highlighting $100 billion in investments beginning this year. One hundred tram stops have already been made accessible and 100 new low-floor trams are reportedly in the testing phase.
Yet, Sydney Road is not currently a priority. No timeline has been set, and no projects are in the pipeline.
“We’re addressing gaps in the existing rail network to ensure safe and accessible journeys,” responded a spokesperson from the Department of Transport.
A recent report by Victoria’s Auditor-General criticised the department for missing federally mandated deadlines. The goal of 100 per cent accessible infrastructure by the end of 2022 was not met, and the next target, set for 2032, looks equally unlikely to be hit.
In the meantime, Astourian continues to move forward in the face of roadblocks, demanding rights where many only see red tape.
“If it was possible to create accessible stops elsewhere, it’s possible to do the same on Sydney Road,” he concluded.
