Along the Lilydale line, the Victorian Government is removing 2 dangerous level crossings and building 2 new stations to improve safety, reduce congestion and run more trains, more often.

The project includes the removal of the Maroondah Highway, Lilydale and Manchester Road, Mooroolbark level crossings by building rail bridges over the roads. Two new Lilydale and Mooroolbark stations and a multistorey car park at Mooroolbark are also being built.

To construct the new stations and rail bridges, some trees and vegetation will need to be protected, while others will be removed. To minimise impacts on vegetation and maximise tree retention, our construction and design teams are working through the project plans with a team of specialists.

Managing tree and vegetation removal

LXRP works with arborists, as well as environmental and sustainability specialists across all of its projects to minimise the amount of vegetation removal required, and to manage the impacts on flora and fauna.

Landscaping and replanting

During our consultation we heard that trees and vegetation are important to the Lilydale and Mooroolbark communities and have taken this into consideration through planning and design.

We will plant 1 tree for every tree removed. In addition, our landscaping and re-vegetation plan will see more than 60,000 new shrubs, plants and grasses delivered across the 2 sites.

We will continue to work with Yarra Ranges Council and the local community on vegetation management and landscaping opportunities in Lilydale and Mooroolbark.

Assessing trees and vegetation

Through the design process, we work hard to protect as many trees as possible around the rail corridor.

Each tree in the project area is individually numbered and profiled to help our teams understand potential impacts on trees along the corridor, as well as future health and stability of vegetation.

Trees and vegetation were assessed to determine:

• structural integrity, including the size and location of tree roots
• health and life expectancy
• amenity and environmental value
• location of services in proximity to trees.

Where trees are to be retained, work is undertaken to protect them during construction, as well as any sensitive environmental areas such as habitats, heritage sites and waterways.

Trees will be inspected for the presence of native wildlife. We will have a certified fauna handler, on site during the vegetation removal works to appropriately handle any fauna that we may encounter unexpectedly.

Why trees need to be removed

• site establishment and access routes
• utility relocation works
• safe construction of the new rail bridges and stations.

How we remove trees and vegetation

Most of the trees identified for removal are within the rail corridor. To safely build the new rail bridges and stations, vegetation will need to be cleared.

Trees to be retained will be fenced off to ensure that roots and branches are protected during construction.

Smaller trees and shrubs will be mulched on site and some larger logs will be retained and repurposed locally. We are currently investigating reuse opportunities with community groups, local artists and schools.

Our community engagement team will notify nearby residents prior to works.

More information

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