Media Release

OPPOSITION Leader Ted Baillieu says Ringwood railway station should be upgraded.

But he has not promised any future Liberal government would pay for the improvements.

Mr Baillieu, a guest speaker at a Liberal Party Kilsyth and Evelyn business breakfast last week, said the party's mission was to make all railway stations compliant with Disability Discrimination Act (1992) requirements.

Ringwood station had never met the Act's conditions, he said.

``A station like Ringwood ought to have full compliance,'' Mr Baillieu said. ``There are issues at a number of stations.''

Mr Baillieu addressed more than 100 people at the breakfast in Mooroolbark, including state Kilsyth MP David Hodgett and Evelyn state MP Christine Fyffe.

He said the opposition had released ``more than 60 policy positions'', which included the placement of security on every train station at night and the requirement of doctors to report injuries thought to be from stabbings.

Mr Baillieu also covered issues such as alcohol-related violence, affordable housing, liquor licensing, police shortages and the looming state election.

He backed the increased powers given to the Planning Minister that led to last year's controversial approval of an eight-storey social housing development in Ringwood.

But he said it should not be at the expense of community consultation.

``I think it would be fine under a good minister,'' he said.

``But just because the Planning Minister is the responsible authority it should not exempt (them) from consulting the community,'' Mr Baillieu said.

What local problems would you like to see politicians commit to fixing before the state election?