Managing the environment

We’re removing the level crossing at Progress Street, Dandenong South and building a new road bridge connecting Progress Street to Fowler Road.

The Victorian Government has fast tracked this level crossing for removal, with 22 dangerous level crossings being removed on the Pakenham Line to make it boom gate-free by 2025.

Major construction is now underway at Progress Street. To build the road bridge, some tree and vegetation removal is required within the project area. We heard during community consultation that native landscaping around Eumemmerring Creek is important to the local community.

Minimising tree and vegetation removal is a priority throughout design and during construction. All trees and vegetation being removed are directly impacted by new infrastructure.

As part of the project, about 1600 trees, shrubs, and grasses will be planted in the area.

Managing vegetation removal

We work with arborists, environmental and sustainability specialists across all of our projects to minimise vegetation removal and manage the impacts on flora and fauna.

Trees and vegetation are 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
• the presence of wildlife and habitat.

This assessment helps identify which trees pose a hazard to road and rail operations and require removal. Understanding root systems and tree health is crucial to identifying which trees will be retained and protected.

Protecting existing vegetation

Trees and vegetation being retained will be separated from construction with no go zones. These protect vegetation, habitat zones, heritage sites and waterways from the impacts of construction.

Tree Protection Zones will be established to protect trees and their root systems during construction.

Wildlife

Before tree and vegetation removal we work with wildlife handlers who search for wildlife and make sure any wildlife found is safely re-homed.

Replanting and landscaping

At Progress Street, Dandenong South about 1600 Australian native plants, trees and shrubs will be planted as part of the project.

Native vegetation

We heard that native species are important to the local community. We’ll use native trees, plants and shrubs to provide greenery around the new road bridge. Natives are suited to the local environment and climate and need less watering. They also provide habitat for native animals and year-round foliage and shade. More information including landscaping plans and what’s being planted in the area will be shared with the community as the project progresses.

What happens with removed trees and vegetation?

We will work closely with local council and community groups to ensure that removed vegetation is repurposed for new uses or environmental initiatives.

Some of the opportunities we’re exploring include:

• providing logs for use in gardens and parks
• donating timber for use by council, artists or in community projects
• using mulch in parks and gardens.