Following the Sir Rod Eddington Report and the subsequent announcement by the Government to consider connecting the Western Ring Road with the Eastern Freeway by building a freeway/tunnel through the Banyule Council area, Friends of Banyule are petitioning local residents to register the complete opposition to such a project.

We object to any freeway/tunnel being built through Banyule because:

Banyule Flats and the Yarra Corridor (the area to be crossed by the proposed freeway/tunnel) is one of the last natural areas in the inner North East of Melbourne. It is utilized for relaxation and recreation by thousands of families in our community and across Melbourne increasing the health and wellbeing for all.

Banyule Flats and the Yarra Corridor are one of the most environmentally sensitive areas within the inner region of Melbourne and needs to be protected for the benifits it provides the community and future generations

River Parks such as those in the Banyule wetlands and the Yarra Corridor are a vital area for wild life, rare migratory birds and protected species with large areas currently under protection by Banyule council. We the community of Banyule are its custodians and are responsible for its protection now and in the future.

We believe that Building a Freeway through our suburb will compromise its liveability as beautiful Banyule - clean, quiet and unique - for ever.

We believe that building a freeway through Banyule will not solve the congestion problems we currently have. How do we know a freeway will not attract more vehicles to our roads as they become the thoroughfare for those attempting to enter or exit the freeway feeder roads?