27 June 2025
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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 2024 to 31 December 2024.
This document shows the progress we are making against our key sustainability objectives and targets, with this being our third annual sustainability report.
This report covers all packages of works which have been in delivery for more than six months in 2024. The status of sustainability performance presented in this report is cumulative and accurate as of December 2024. We aim to achieve all listed construction targets by the end of construction in 2028.
2024 overview
2024 saw us announcing the preferred bidders for the last two packages of work that make up the North East Link
Program – Hoddle Street to Burke Road, and Tram Road to Springvale Road, which make up the Eastern Freeway Upgrade along with Burke Road to Tram Road.
In August and September we launched our tunnel boring machines (TBMs), both of which made great progress over the fourth quarter, and will continue through 2025.
We reached 1 million hours worked by apprentices, trainees and cadets, signifying a huge milestone in achieving our goals
of providing economic opportunities for priority jobseekers.
We also signed a contract with Indigenous energy retailer Yurringa Energy to provide renewable power on the North East Link Tunnels, including powering the TBMs.
We’ve continued to support community sports in impacted areas, and in 2024 we opened two new facilities – Powerful Owl Park in Bulleen, and the Monash Tennis Centre – in order to keep sports clubs thriving while we deliver the biggest ever investment in Melbourne’s north east.
While the deadline for our ambitious sustainability targets is set for the end of construction in 2028, we have already delivered some great sustainability outcomes and we’re excited to continue sharing how we’re tracking.
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–June 2019
NEL Environment Effects Statement on public exhibition. This included Sustainability Approach which details our local, regional, and global sustainability context.
July 2019
Published sustainability objectives and targets on North East Link website.
2019–2021
Incorporated sustainability targets into delivery partner contracts.
December 2021
Published 2021 Sustainability Snapshot.
July 2022
Sustainability targets briefing with Wurundjeri Woi-Wurrung Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Corporation (the Wurundjeri).
June 2023
Published 2022 Annual Sustainability Report.
June 2024
Published 2023 Annual Sustainability Report (PDF, 5.1 MB).
2025 – We are here
Published 2024 Annual Sustainability Report ( PDF, 3.2 MB).