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

Summary of document

A newsletter about the people who live and work in Melbourne’s north-east and eastern suburbs and the people who will use North East Link, an upgraded Eastern Freeway and Melbourne’s first dedicated busway to get where they need to go. We have a lot of work ahead of us and want to keep you informed along the way.

Connecting communities

• After months of community engagement about improving local connections while keeping trucks and through traffic off local roads, residents have provided feedback on an alternate design for North East Link around Watsonia Station and shops.
• The design includes a 60m wide green bridge at Elder Street, a multi-level car park at Watsonia Station with around 60 extra spaces and more walking and cycling paths.
• The alternate design was developed while we were busy working on the Environment Effects Statement (EES) so it doesn’t appear in the document.
• It meets all the proposed environmental performance requirements for the project presented in the EES and, subject to project approval, can be given to builders we invite to further refine the design and submit bids to build the project.

Gearing up for construction

• Two builders have been shortlisted to kick start construction next year once planning approvals are in place.
• The early works package will focus on relocating utilities such as power, water and gas ready for major construction of North East Link.
• We’re also working hard to finalise which builders will get the chance to compete for the $7-9 billion primary package. This includes detailed design and construction for Victoria’s longest twin road tunnels.

Site investigation works

• Our technical teams are getting things ready to fast track construction once planning approvals are complete.
• Over the last few months work crews have been confirming the depth and location of underground services like water, gas, telecommunication, and electrical services.
• Doing this work now helps to reduce risk and helps save time and money later on.

Tree replanting program

• More than 30,000 trees will be planted for North East Link.
• 16,000 trees are expected to be removed based on the current reference design for the project. For each of these trees removed, 2 will be replanted.
• Specialists have also started collecting seeds from the historically important River Red Gum in Bulleen.
• The project is also looking for sustainable ways to re-use timber and how to involve local schools, nurseries, social enterprises and interested community groups in growing replacement trees
• Banyule Flats, Warringal Parklands and the Yarra River will be protected.
• Based on the current reference design for the project, 52 hectares of native vegetation and a further 10,000 trees within the project boundary could be impacted however the final number will not be known until the detailed designs are complete. See the Arboriculture chapter in the Environment Effects Statement for more detail.

Community group update

• Based on valuable input from our Community Liaison Groups (CLGs), we're forming two more groups to support local businesses and precincts.
• A Bulleen Industrial Zone Liaison Group will help us continue to understand the needs of businesses in the area and discuss support we can provide as the project progresses.
• We’re also looking at options to form a Watsonia Precinct Liaison Group to involve local traders and community representatives in the planning, detailed design, and construction stages for North East Link.
• Our two Community Liaison Groups are busy preparing a report of ideas and opportunities raised by communities. The report will be shared with the builders who will take on the next stage of design work.
• The CLG report will be one of many resources the builders can call on to refine the project design when they prepare bids to build the project.

Keeping local sports clubs thriving while we build North East Link

• We know that strong sports clubs help make strong communities.
• Over the last year we’ve been working with local clubs, councils and other interested groups to understand how North East Link could affect sports clubs, groups and facilities and to explore options to manage disruptions.
• For many clubs, we’re investigating upgrading existing facilities nearby, and in some cases looking at building new fields and facilities for clubs to meet, train, play and compete.
• More information about plans to keep local sports clubs running and thriving while we build North East Link is available for comment in the EES.

Environment Effects Statement on exhibition

• An EES is Victoria’s most rigorous and transparent impact assessment process.
• It gives decision makers such as the Planning Minister and EPA Victoria the information they need to determine whether planning approvals should be granted and what conditions should apply.
• The EES for North East Link includes information on how the project could affect the environment during construction and operation and how adverse impacts would be managed across 18 study areas including air quality, noise, traffic and transport and ecology.
• It’s taken around one year to prepare the EES and thousands of pieces of feedback from communities have informed our technical studies and how we’re proposing to manage impacts.
• The EES is on display from Wednesday 10 April to Friday 7 June 2019. Submissions must be made in writing to Planning Panels Victoria by 5pm Friday 7 June 2019.

Key steps in the EES process

2018

• Minister decides an EES is required. We begin preparing the EES
• Minister issues Final Scoping Requirements

2019

• EES goes on display
• Submissions close
• Public hearings start
• Panel makes recommendations to the Planning Minister
• Planning approvals following Minister's assessment

Commonwealth approvals

• Commonwealth approvals are being assessed by the Australian Government under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Act 1999 (EPBC Act).
• The EPBC Act protects and manages matters of national environmental significance, such as federally listed threatened species and communities, migratory species and environment on Commonwealth land.
• A draft Public Environment Report (PER) to assess potential impacts on these matters and outline management approaches has been prepared and will be on display for public comment in late April-May 2019.