2023 Annual sustainability report

25 June 2024

This webpage contains a summary of the information in this report.

To read the report in full, please download one of the below:

About this report

As part of our commitment to accountability, transparency and delivering positive community outcomes, North East Link is reporting on our sustainability performance annually.

This report covers the calendar year 1 January 2023 to 31 December 2023.

This document shows the progress we are making against our key sustainability objectives and targets, with this being our second annual sustainability report.

This report covers all packages of works which have been in delivery for more than six months in 2023. The status of sustainability performance presented in this report is cumulative and accurate as of December 2023. We aim to achieve all listed construction targets by the end of construction in 2028.

2023 overview

2023 saw North East Link construction take huge steps forward in preparation for tunnelling. We completed the launch box in Watsonia for the Tunnel Boring Machines (TBMs) and commenced their assembly process.

Two delivery partners were selected for the first stage of the Eastern Freeway Busway and the M80 Ring Road Completion at Greensborough, with updated project designs released to the community.

Large pieces of the massive Tunnel Boring Machines were transported from the Port of Melbourne to Watsonia, with assembly of the first TBM starting. Other tunnelling infrastructure also took shape, including a large acoustic shed at Macleod to manage the dirt and rock from tunnelling.

Early works were completed in 2023, including works to relocate, modify and protect the power, gas, water, sewerage and communication utilities impacted by construction. The sports and facilities upgrades at Ford and Binnak Parks, and the Bulleen Park & Ride are included in these works. The Park & Ride opened to the public in April 2023 and is the first part of the Eastern Busway.

We have taken steps at every stage of the delivery process to imbed sustainability outcomes into the design of North East Link.

Recycling initiatives were a highlight for the year. We rolled out approximately 10 tonnes of rubber to date from recycled car tyres in our crash barriers on the worksite. We’re also using Eco T-Top Bollards – the first Australian-made 100% recycled plastic bollards.

The community contributed toward us meeting our sustainability targets. The Greener North East Program has seen local schools, kindergartens and childcare centres planting gardens and supporting social enterprise Yarra View and Bushland Flora Nursery.

With the deadline for our sustainability targets set for the end of construction in 2028, it’s pleasing to see such momentum already. We look forward to continuing to share the results in sustainability reports in the years to come.

Our sustainability targets

This report presents the status of North East Link’s performance against our sustainability objectives and targets in 2023.

We set our ambitious targets back in 2019 based on input from stakeholders and the community, as well as technical sustainability assessments.

1. Leadership

Achieve excellent environmental, social and economic outcomes across all phases of North East Link.

2. Resource efficiency

Embedding energy, water, material and waste reduction initiatives into the design, construction and operation of the program.

3. Urban ecosystems

Protecting and seeking opportunities to enhance natural environments.

4. Communities

Making a positive contribution to social, cultural and community health and wellbeing.

5. Economic opportunities

Facilitating opportunities for economic development, provide a skilled local workforce and promote diversity and inclusion.

6. Climate change

Playing a part in Victoria achieving its emission reduction targets while preparing for the challenges presented by climate change.

Key milestones in developing our Sustainability Objectives and Targets

2017–2018

Community feedback surveys on North East Link priorities and objectives.

December 2018

Sustainability workshop with Councils and state government agencies.

March 2019

Sustainability workshop with community environment groups.

April 2019

Technical assessments of greenhouse gas footprint and renewable energy options.

April to June 2019

North East Link Environment Effects Statement on public exhibition. This included our Sustainability Approach which details our local, regional, and global sustainability context.

July 2019

Published sustainability objectives and targets on North East Link website.

2019 to 2021

Incorporated sustainability targets into delivery partner contracts.

December 2021

Published 2021 Sustainability Snapshot on North East Link website.

July 2022

Sustainability targets briefing with Wurundjeri Woi-Wurrung Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Corporation (the Wurundjeri).