Where goes the North-East Link - A 6 Billion Dollar
Project without a plan? - Our meeting with VicRoads
Representatives of Friends of Banyule and
Protectors of Public Lands met on 20 April with representatives of
VicRoads North East Link project team. The meeting was arranged at
our request with the hope of finding out more about government
intentions for the project.
This meeting was a sequel to an earlier meeting, on 1 May 2009,
with the Southern and Eastern Integrated Transport (SEITA) which
then had bureaucratic responsibility for the proposed North-East
Link, now ceded to VicRoads.
People in Banyule, as well as much wider afield, have become
increasingly anxious about the proposed project since its sudden
resurrection by the Brumby government in the December 2008
Victorian Transport Plan. If it were to go ahead the project would
cut the communities of Viewbank, Rosanna, Heidelberg and Bulleen in
half and destroy one of the most important historical and
environmental assets in the City of Banyule - the Banyule Flats
Wetlands and Warringal Park Swamplands.
It would be fair to report that the greater interest from the
meeting on 20 April lies in what was left unsaid rather than what
was disclosed by official government representatives.
Representatives were unable to say when they expected
construction might commence, much less were they able to indicate
when the government intended the first vehicles to roll along the
North-East Link. There has been reference to 2017 as a starting
date, but this remained unclear, and if 2017 is a starting date
whether it is for the commencement of construction or the
completion of the project.
We referred to a September 2008 report undertaken by the
consultants, GHD, for the Department of Premier and Cabinet which
included traffic projections for the proposed freeway which
anticipated very high motorcar usage and relatively low usage by
commercial vehicles. VicRoads was unable to provide any advance on
these figures. The government's proposal to extend the Urban Growth
Boundary, with concomitant increases in population, is thought
likely to change this equation.
VicRoads was asked what parameters they were working with for
travel by public transport as opposed to private motor vehicle in
determining the need for and carrying capacity of North East Link.
VicRoads indicated that the government had an objective that 20% of
all journeys made in Melbourne be by public transport. This
objective, set for achievement in 2020, had already been met.
No advice was able to be given by VicRoads on addressing current
issues related to traffic congestion, including on Rosanna Road.
VicRoads advised that this was the responsibility of the
organisation's South East and North West Metropolitan regional
operations.
There has been understandable speculation in the community about
the intended route for the proposed freeway. We drew attention to
the most recent edition of the Melbourne Melway and the fact that
it included a dotted line route for North-East Link. VicRoads
representatives indicated that the initiative for its inclusion in
the Melway did not come from their project team but is likely to
have come from elsewhere within VicRoads. They were unable to
advise whether it was an officially decided route for the
freeway.
VicRoads officials were able to confirm that a cost-benefit
analysis of the project would be undertaken and that this would be
released publicly in a timely manner.
The issue of project funding was raised with officials. It was
noted that a project cost of $6 billion was included in the
Victorian Transport Plan (dated 2008). It was unable to be
confirmed whether this would be the final figure. We asked what
capital contribution the Brumby government would be seeking from
the Commonwealth government and whether the request was likely to
be acceded to. VicRoads was unable to advise on this but did say
several other transport projects which had received Commonwealth
contributions ranging between 50% and 100% of project costs.
VicRoads was asked whether the Victorian government was looking
towards a restructuring of the toll road industry as a precursor to
attracting private sector operators for the project. They advised
they had no information on that.
We noted rising apprehension about noise level emissions from
freeways in Melbourne and especially resident concerns related to
the Monash Freeway and also the Eastern Freeway in Balwyn North.
VicRoads replied that they do have noise standards that they apply.
In broad terms the current maximum is said to be 63dBA. Standards
appear to apply for traffic movements between 6 am and 12 am only.
No such protection apparently applies between 12 am and 6 am.
VicRoads was asked about the lighting levels they apply for
illumination of the road network. We introduced material which
pointed to adverse health effects of excessive lighting in cities,
including increased human and animal sickness. VicRoads said that
they have progressively increased the efficiency of their lighting
systems in the road network.
VicRoads was asked to confirm the government statement in The
Victorian Transport Plan that it was expected to construct the
freeway by tunnel. VicRoads advised that this is not certain and
will be subject to additional inquiry.
It is not known whether the project will be "fast-tracked" under
new legislated provisions for transport projects which were enacted
in 2009.
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Council Update on the North-East Link
The following is an excerpt from Banyule Council Meeting Agenda
for the meeeting held on 5th July 2010. A copy of Council's
Agenda is available on their website at http://www.banyule.vic.gov.au/Assets/Files/OM%205%20July%202010%20Agenda.pdf
FORWARD PLANNING
ORDINARY MEETING ON 5 JULY 2010
Page 38
FPOC.112 NORTH-EAST ROAD LINK QUARTERLY UPDATE
<Michelle
Herbert - City Development>
BS20/045/005
PROPOSAL
To provide Councillors with an update on the status of the
proposed north-east road link.
BACKGROUND
Council considered a report on the status of the proposed
north-east road link and an overview of relevant Council
resolutions and positions on the link, regional transport,
and associated heritage and environmental issues at its
meeting on 14 December 2009. Council resolved as follows:
1. That the report be received.
2. That an Expression of Interest (EOI) be prepared for
consideration in the 2010/2011 budget
for Stage 1 and Stage 2 of the Environment and Heritage Overlay for
the Banyule Flats and Warringal Parklands.
3. That Council write to the Minister for Roads and Ports
requesting:
• A written
three-monthly update on progress and activities undertaken to
progress the planning for the proposed
North-East link.
• Current
timeline for the completion of this planning phase of the
North-East link.
• That
short term and medium term steps be undertaken by the
Victorian Government to reduce the
current congestion and safety issues in Rosanna
Road and Greensborough Road until any longer term
solution is implemented.
• The
breakdown between commercial traffic and private car usage that
comprises the estimated 145,000 vehicles
that Option 3 (listed on page 80 of the Agenda) is
expected to attract.
• That in
Council's view further investigation is required into an
alternative to a freeway through
Banyule.
4. That Council officers report to the Council every
three-months on the response from the
Minister, VicRoads or other Government departments or agencies on
progress in the planning of the
North-East link.
5. That local State MPs be forwarded copies of all
correspondence received and sent as a
result of this resolution.
Items 2, 3 and 5 of the above resolution were actioned in
February 2010. On 1 March 2010, in accordance with item 4 of
the above resolution, Council considered a report for the
three month period January to March 2010. Council resolved to
receive the report.
PROGRESS
The only correspondence received in the current three-month
period April to June 2010, which relates to the north-east
link is a letter dated 14 April 2010 from the Minister for
Roads and Ports responding to Council's resolution of 14
December 2009. Please refer to a copy of this
correspondence attached.
Page 39
The letter provides a brief update on the merits of the
north-east link, and the intent of the State Government to
work with Council and residents in its development. The letter
indicates that the medium-term project is estimated to cost $6
billion and when built it would be one of the largest road
projects in Victoria. Its route will be located between
Greensborough and Bulleen, but no other information on the
road alignment or its connection to other arterial roads is
given.
The Minister indicates that while planning for the road is at a
preliminary stage, VicRoads proposes to carry out extensive
environmental and engineering investigations to determine the
exact route of the north east link. This will take time. VicRoads
will work with Councils and residents and consider their views
in the detailed planning stage, which is expected to take
several years.
The Minister also states that arterial roads are regularly
monitored for congestion and road safety and improvements
funded on a statewide priority needs basis. This will be the
case for Rosanna and Greensborough Roads. VicRoads
officers advise that no further progress has been made in relation
to the planning of the north-east link at this time.
RECOMMENDATION:
That the report be received.
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Friends of Banyule - Public Meeting in
October
We are planning a Public Meeting on the evening of 6th October
to be held at The Centre in Ivanhoe. The Meeting's objective is to
raise public awareness about the planned Freeway, discuss
alternatives and highlight how the Freeway, if it proceeds, will
impact our community.
A number of high profile keynote speakers (including Rod
Quantock and Paul Mees) are invited, so stay tuned for more news
about the October Public Meeting.
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Save Our Bush Alliance Rally - 2 June 2010
A Rally convened by the Save our Bush Alliance (SOBA) was held
on Wednesday 2 June 2010 outside the Transport Forum at the Crown
Conference Centre. The Transport Forum convened to discuss and
promote the Government's Transport Plan, and included various
members of the transport and infrastructure lobby and guest
speakers from both Government agencies and the private sector, as
well as Roads Minister, Tim Pallas as the keynote speaker.
The Rally was attended by a dedicated and enthusiastic group,
with lots of banners and placards and a vocal chant calling for "no
more freeways". Those across the road at the Transport Forum
were in no doubt of our views and our intent. A police and security
contingent directly outside the centre almost out-numbered those
protesting.
The Rally was organised by the Save Our Bush Alliance (SOBA)
group. MC was Gillian Collins of Pines Protectors and other
attendees/speakers included Dee Anne Kelly - Greens, Frankston, Sue
Pennicuick - Greens MP (Southern Metropolitan), Damon Anderson -
Save Coomoora Reserve, Rosemary West - Green Wedges Coalition and
Dennis O'Connell on behalf of Friends of Banyule.
There were some excellent and quite passionate speeches made.
A media presence across the road recorded some footage of the
rally.
To our surprise, Roads Minister Tim Pallas, accepted an
invitation to come across the road and address the Rally directly.
A motion from the Rally in opposition to the Peninsular Link
freeway but suggesting options, including upgraded public transport
for the area, was put to Mr. Pallas. Some of the attendees,
especially from Save the Pines and Willow Bank Road/Pobblebank
Nature Reserve strongly put their case to the Minister - that
bulldozers had already gone into these reserves destroying animals
and wild life which were not able to be removed to a safe shelter
or other reserve prior to the bulldozers going in. This was despite
an Environmental Management Plan supposedly being in place.
The Minister while stating that construction of the Freeway
would proceed, indicated that he was concerned about what had
conveyed to him by those attending the rally and believed
the damage to wildlife should not have occurred. He advised that he
would undertake to find out why this had happened and why the
contractors had not put measures in place to prevent it occurring.
We will have to wait and see whether the Minister is as good as his
word.
Minister, Tim Pallas addressing
the Rally
For links to the other groups represented at this rally -
S.O.B.A., go to our Links page Save Coomoora Reserve, Protectors of
Public Lands,
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Meet local Photographer Ross Spirou
Friends of Banyule would
like to introduce local photographer Ross Spirou.
Ross has a keen interest in wildlife and fauna and loves
particularly Banyule Flats Wetlands for its rich heritage and
animal life. Please take a look at his images on theFlickr website - it is truly
stunning and beautiful photography of our area.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/raskimon/sets/72157624158495258/
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Bad News for Heritage Listing for Banyule
Flats
Banyule Council has not allocated the $100,000 necessary to
commence the process of Heritage Listing for the Banyule Flats
Wetlands area. The basis for their decision apparently was that the
State Government would not be likely approve Heritage Listing if
the Government wanted to build a freeway through the area and
therefore the money would be wasted.
The Major Transport Facilitations Act passed in October 2009
further disregards any Heritage Acts currently in place. It is
incredibly disappointing that Council has not followed through on
their promises to their constituents given in May 2009 and
again in July that same year and commence the Heritage Listing
process. Friends of Banyule will continue
to strongly lobby for Heritage Listing for Banyule Flats Wetlands
Warringal Parklands and Bolin Bolin Billabong.
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No Freeway Signs
|
|
No Freeway through Banyule signs made from a
light-weight & weatherproof
material corflute will be available soon.
The size of the sign is 400mm x 600mm, with black printing on a
white background and the message
'NO FREEWAY THROUGH BANYULE" in large print on it. We will
also include a small picture of our Logo (at left) at the bottom on
the sign.
The signs will be able to be mounted on fence lines as well as
erected in front and back yards
These signs aim to raise public awareness of the planned
freeway, as well as letting our local, State and Federal Members of
Parliament know that their constituents are not happy about the
proposed freeway/tunnel/viaduct.
Please contact us if
Contact: Mobile 0413 41 88 32 (leave voice message)
Email: info@friendsofbanyule.org
|
Inappropriate Development : Honeywell site fast-tracked
at VCAT
Downstream from Banyule along the Yarra River, inappropriate
development of the Honeywell site in Richmond is setting an
unfortunate precedence for future development in our municipality.
The appeal of the Yarra River Action Alliance has been fast-tracked
at VCAT with the hearing starting 9th August. The Yarra River
Action Alliance's case is simply that Yarra Council has exceeded
its discretion... Honeywell is too tall, too dense and not set back
enough from the river.
As reported in previous Newsletters, the proposed eleven storey
550 apartment development on the Yarra River at Abbotsford, is
being opposed by the Yarra River Action Alliance (YRAA). They
have raised sufficient funds by public subscription to pay for
legal representtaion,but are appealing for further funds
for expert wittnesses to counter those of the
developer, who is sufficiently cashed up to run a major case
with all the necceesary experts, consultants and senior legal
counsel. This high rise development on the Yarra is seen as a test
case which will if the appeal is unsuccsessful, allow further
unsympathetic overdevelopment along the Yarra negatively
impacting the riverine environment (both down and
upstream).
Catherine Santo of YRAA has recently provided the following
update:
The Honeywell development went to mediation at VCAT on Thursday
8/7/10. Unsurprisingly, the matter did not settle.
Surprisingly however, after saying they would not
compromise on height, the developers offered a settlement of 1
storey off the tallest tower, taking it to 10 storeys
(with the other 2 towers remaining unchanged at 9). The
objectors rejected that offer and made a counter offer of a height
of RL 35, which is halfway between the 5-6 storeys the
Planning Scheme says the preferred height should be, and RL
41, the maximum height specified in the Planning Scheme.
They rejected the counter offer and the matter is now
booked in for the 5 day hearing starting 9th August.
Mediation was very useful in getting a clear picture of
the developers' case and identifying the key issues that the
hearing will turn on. In particular, it was clear that
architectural superiority and environmentally sustainable
design will be two of the major determinantsin the
justification for the additional height that we will need to
counter.
So it is onward and forward now in preparing for the hearing.
We have secured an excellent witness, as has City of
Boroondara (who are also objecting) and following mediation we
are exploring what other witnesses are needed
whilst endeavouring to share expertise amongst the objectors
to avoid duplication and keep costs down.
For more information go to www.yarrariveractionalliance.com
Friends of Banyule
contact: Dennis O'Connell email : dennisoc@bigpond.net.au
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Peninsula Link Freeway Update
Gillian Collins of Save the Pines,
who is leading the community picket at the Westerfield
property at Frankston North, where the $875 m Peninsula link
Freeway is planned to go through, provided the following
update on the current situation with the picket and
appeal to Heritage Victoria.
Advice from Rosemary West of Green Wedges (and member of
Save our Bush Alliance), indicates that the contractor Abi Group,
has now agreed to halt the bulldozers currently standing by at the
site, until the appeal before Heritage Victoria regarding the
National Trust and Heritage listed Westerfield property, is
heard.
I visited the site last weekend and spoke to Gillian
Collins of Pines Protectors, Joyce Welsh one of the owners of
Westerfield and other picketers. I was impressed by their passion
and determination to protect the unique flora and fauna, much
of which is amongst the last original remnant examples on the
Peninsula and possibly the State.
The 27 kilometer Peninsula Link Freeway, for much of its
length, runs parallel to the existing Mooraduc Highway and will
effectively be a feeder for East Link, which is struggling to
produce the traffic numbers originally promised. The
solution from the road lobby appears to
be, eventually to link up all freeways from the
Peninsula, via East Link, the F18 "missing link" through Banyule,
to the Western Ring Road and eventually the F6/E6 Outer
Metropolitan Ring Road. Melbourne will be completely encircled and
criss-crossed by freeways, interchanges and roads...
further locking us into a carbon dependent energy future. This
in an age of rapidly diminishing oil reserves and environmental
disasters such as the Gulf of Mexico, as oil drilling
increasingly occurs in more pristine environments and at
deeper levels, with the potential for further devastating
impacts on the environment becoming ever more
likely.
The picket at Westerfield is important as an example of
community action at the local level, halting the bulldozers,
forcing the contractor to discuss issues regarding the
environmental management plan (which is supposed to be in place but
up till now largely ignored) and await the outcome of the
hearing by Heritage Victoria and the appeal on conditions in the
permit.
The public are increasingly becoming aware that spending
priorities by government are unfairly skewed toward the building of
roads and freeways at the expense of public transport and the wider
environment. A meeting with the Minister, Abi Group, the
Building Council and community groups is currently being
sought. Friends of Banyule
strongly supports community action by
local groups (with whom we are affiliated through
Green Wedges and Save our Bush
Alliance), facing similar issues, exercising
their democratic rights in a peaceful but
effective manner.
Dennis O'Connell
More information is available at
www.savethepines.net and
www.savewesterfields.net
Urban Growth Boundary
From Julianne Bell, Secretary, Protectors of Public Lands
Vic. Inc
As you will be aware, the Growth Areas Infrastructure
Contribution Bill 2010 ("contribution" = euphemism for land tax)
was passed at the last sitting of Parliament. Despite previously
opposing the Bill, the Coalition (Liberals and Nationals) voted for
it with the ALP. (Now it's enshrined in legislation as the Growth
Areas Infrastructure Contribution Act 2010.) Now we have a Planning
Scheme Amendment which includes extension of the Urban Growth
Boundary. This will mean rural land can be rezoned as residential
around Melbourne and will mean the land tax can be applied. This
brings the prospect of increased urban sprawl; increased reliance
on cars; increased green house gas emissions; destruction of Green
Wedges and the environment. Read more
...>
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pt2me2 Survey Results
The pt4me2 people's poll received over 10,700 responses.
Last week, they presented your
comments and the final report to the Minister for Public Transport,
Opposition Transport spokesperson, Greens transport spokesperson
and the Premier's office. To see the result of the survey go
to their website. Read more ...>
Newsletter Archive
if you would like to take a look at any of our past Newsletters,
they are available at /latest-news.aspx#FOB%20newsletters) on
the Latest News page of the Friends of
Banyule website at www.friendsofbanyule.org
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Links
Some interesting & sometimes quirky
news past our editorial desk .....
The Yike Bike
TruFood Network
Allan
Cuthbertson
Save Coomoora Reserve : Smoke & Mirrors article
Warringal Conservation Society
Newsletter [PDF}
The Green Leaflet
For lots more news, views, opinion and
campaign updates, go to our website at www.friendsofbanyule.org or
click on the tabbed links at the top of this Newsletter
We appreciate your feedback, so please
contact us on email info@friendsofbanyule.org or our
mobile (leave a voice message) 0413 41 88 32