Getting ready for construction

We’re removing the level crossing at Station Street, Beaconsfield by building a road bridge over the rail line. The Victorian Government has fast tracked thislevel crossing for removal, with 22 dangerous level crossings being removed on the Pakenham Line to make it boom gate free in 2025.

Early works are now underway at Station Street. To build the road bridge, some tree and vegetation removal is required. Trees and vegetation being removed are within the project area, including within the rail corridor, around the station precinct, and along key roads.

This work will happen in stages over the coming months. Stage one will start in July with minor vegetation clearing and tree removal in the Beaconsfield Station car park to set up our site compound.

Stage two will take place in late 2023 when major works begin to build the new road bridge.

Throughout community consultation we heard how important green spaces are to the Beaconsfield community. We’re working with qualified arborists and sustainability and environmental specialists to minimise the impact to local flora and fauna. Minimising tree and vegetation removal is a priority as we develop designs and during construction.

As part of the project, approximately 80 Australian native and indigenous trees, and 75,000 plants and shrubs will be planted in the area.

Major works to build the road bridge will start in late 2023.

Bunya Bunya Pine Tree

We heard that the Bunya Bunya Pine tree is important to locals.

In good news for the community, the Bunya Bunya Pine tree will be retained. Appropriate environmental controls will be put in place to protect the tree during construction and allow the tree to remain in place

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 heath is crucial to identifying what trees will be retained and protected.

All trees and vegetation being removed are directly impacted by new infrastructure.

Protecting existing vegetation

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

Tree Protection Zones (TPZs) will be established to protect the Bunya Bunya Pine tree. TPZs protect the above and below ground parts of a tree during the construction phase.

Wildlife

Before tree and vegetation removal we work with wildlife handlers who look for wildlife and make sure any wildlife found is safely rehomed.

Replanting and landscaping

At Station Street, Beaconsfield about 80 Australian native and indigenous trees, and 75,000 plants 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 your neighbourhood 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 artists or in community projects
• using mulch in parks and gardens.

If you’re part of a group that could use the timber for local initiatives, email contact@levelcrossings.vic.gov.au or call 1800 105 105.

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If you have any questions or would like more information, call 1800 105 105 or email contact@levelcrossings.vic.gov.au 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

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