Below is a summary of the information in this document. To read the full document, download PDF, 2.1 MB. If you require an accessible version of this document, please request one via our contact us form.

Summary of document

The purpose of the Communications and Community Engagement Strategy for North East Link is to describe how we are developing and maintaining collaborative relationships with the community and stakeholders through planning, design and delivery of this massive construction program.

North East Link is being built in built-up urban areas, with limited road reserve. Some works are very close to homes and businesses.

We are committed to engaging the community and stakeholders in constructive and co-operative dialogue based on mutual trust and respect.

This strategy outlines the phased approach we’re taking to engagement, outlining how we have and will involve, inform and guide the community and stakeholders through the design and delivery of North East Link.

The strategy governs our communications and community engagement activities and that of our contractors, while making sure we satisfy the communication and stakeholder specifications outlined in the program’s Environmental Performance Requirements (EPRs).

Findings and insights from qualitative and quantitative research, and lessons learned from both North East Link and other infrastructure projects have also assisted in the development and updating of this document.

It also considers the Victorian Auditor General’s Office's (VAGO) Public Participation in Government Decision-making Guidelines and the International Association of Public Participation’s (IAP2) Public Participation Spectrum.

Environmental Performance Requirements

Environmental Performance Requirement (EPR) SC3 requires North East Link to prepare and implement a Communications and Community Engagement Strategy to engage the community and potentially affected stakeholders, and communicate progress of construction activities and operation. The Strategy must be published on the program's website prior to and for the duration of construction.

Our approach to communications and engagement

North East Link is Victoria’s largest ever investment in the north east. We have been engaging with communities and stakeholders since the program was first announced in late 2016 and will continue to guide and involve stakeholders and the community until North East Link opens.

We’ve divided our communications and engagement approach into key stages as we deliver this massive program of works, taking in planning, design and progressing from early works into major tunnel construction and freeway upgrades.

All of these phases will be guided by the following principles, supporting effective, meaningful and consistent communications and engagement across all aspects and stages of North East Link.

Communication and engagement principles

• Honesty and transparency
• Clear communication
• Accessibility and visibility
• Proven approach

Minimising community impacts during construction

To improve community outcomes and the experience of residents living close to construction, we will focus on identifying, managing and mitigating community and stakeholder issues and impacts.

Key to this approach will be ensuring we are aware of the issues that cause disruption to the local communities and residents where we are undertaking works.

We will work closely with construction teams to mitigate impacts where possible and where impacts are unavoidable, we will ensure those who are potentially affected are given plenty of notice.

Communication and Engagement Phases.

Phase 1: Planning (complete)

North East Link Program (NELP) has been engaging with communities and stakeholders since it was formed in late 2016 to investigate and recommend a project corridor and develop a business case for the project.

The planning phase of the North East Link Program is now complete. The Minister for Planning released his assessment of the EES on 5 December 2019 and approved an amended Planning Scheme Amendment on 23 December 2019.

Phase 2: Early works (complete)

Between early 2020 and mid-2022 a key focus for North East Link was its early works program.

This included relocating power, water, gas, sewer and telecommunication services as well as preparing future work sites and building new infrastructure to support the next stage of construction.

2020-2022

• Moving key power, water, gas and other services out of the way of North East Link.
• Supporting sports club relocations and upgrades.
• Supporting residents and businesses through the property acquisition process.

Phase 3: Major construction (current)

In late 2021 we appointed Spark, a team of some of the best builders in Australia and around the world, to build the North East Link Tunnels from Watsonia to Bulleen.

We released an updated design which included Victoria's longest road tunnels, simplified interchanges at Lower Plenty Road and Manningham Road, new parklands, wetlands, bike and walking paths and improvements to local roads. In response to community feedback through the program’s planning approvals, we’re building longer tunnels to Watsonia – tunnelling an extra 1.9 kilometres using tunnel boring machines (TBMs) to keep more works underground.

Preparation for major tunnelling works then started and an Urban Design and Landscape Plan was exhibited for public comment in May 2022 and approved in February 2023. The plan also included a section of connecting Eastern Freeway upgrades in Bulleen and Balwyn North.

In 2022, two preferred bidders were selected for the upgrade of the Eastern Freeway and the completion of the M80 Ring Road.

In 2023, we focused on preparing for the arrival of the tunnel boring machines (TBMs). To ensure the TBM launch site at Watsonia is ready, two purpose-built facilities were constructed.

An acoustic shed has been built on Winsor Reserve ready to collect and remove dirt and rock excavated from the tunnels. At Watsonia, we’re building a tunnel segment storage shed to house the pre-cast concrete segments that will become the tunnel walls. Construction of interchanges and preparation for tunnelling at Lower Plenty Road, Yallambie and Manningham Road, Bulleen also progressed in 2023.

We kept traffic moving during construction by diverting Bulleen Road to make room for excavation of the tunnel entrance, while maintaining access for local schools, sports clubs and the Veneto Club. Major changes were also made to intersections along Bulleen Road, Manningham Road and Templestowe Road to allow construction of the future Manningham Interchange.

In 2024, we're focusing on the start of tunnelling for North East Link. We'll also start building a major new interchange at Bulleen Road to connect the upgraded Eastern Freeway to the 6.5km North East Link tunnels in Bulleen. We'll also be setting up worksites on both sides of the freeway, including at Koonung Creek Reserve, to create space to build new express lanes and the Eastern Busway.

We'll also set up worksites at AK Lines and Gabonia Avenue reserves in Watsonia to support construction for the M80 Ring Road Completion, and build new car parking to offset the closure of the Watsonia station car park during our works.

We’re working closely with nearby residents to ensure construction disruptions are minimised wherever possible.