29 May 2026
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About this report
Each year, the North East Link Program (NELP) reports on our sustainability performance. Our commitment to public reporting drives accountability and transparency of sustainability outcomes across our program and supply chain.
This report covers the calendar year 1 January to 31 December 2025, and the data contained can be compared to previous reports, and future reports as the program continues. 2025 saw the final two packages for NELP commence, meaning all five packages are now underway, shown on the package map (page 6).
Reporting for the North East Link Tunnels is done by the Spark Consortium (NEL Tunnels team). The M80 Ring Road Completion is reported on by the M80 Ring Road Alliance (M80RRA). The three Eastern Freeway Upgrades packages are reported on by the relevant alliance: the Burke to Tram Alliance (EBTA), the Tram to Springvale Alliance (ETSA) and the Hoddle to Burke Alliance (EHBA). The Early Works package concluded in 2024.
All measurements in this report are accurate as recorded in December 2025, and we aim to achieve all listed construction targets by the end of construction in 2028. All reporting was submitted in January 2026. Data is based on monitored and/or estimated construction and operational impacts. Estimates are calculated using the latest design or construction information. Internal audits, and other controls, have been established to ensure the accuracy of information gathered.
The content and quality of this report has been independently reviewed by a technical advisor against the below principles of the Global Reporting Initiative, an international standard for sustainability reporting:
- Accuracy
- Balance
- Clarity
- Comparability
- Completeness
- Sustainability context
- Timeliness
- Verifiability.
2025 overview
We’re proud to be setting the standard in sustainability and delivery outcomes with our construction partners across all packages of work.
In 2025, we executed the final two contracts for the program and their works on-site commenced in early 2026. All five NELP packages are now underway.
It was a year of major milestones, the NEL Tunnels team had their final concrete tunnel segment finished in the Benalla precast facility, and the Tunnel Boring Machines completed 70% of their journey.
In August, the M80RRA team completed the superstructure works for the Hurstbridge Rail Tunnel – now the third longest rail tunnel on the metro network, while the NEL Tunnels team completed the last diaphragm walls at the Lower Plenty site.
Also in August, EBTA successfully mobilised two 40-tonne electric crawler cranes in an Australian-first move to reduce carbon emissions on site.
In November, the NEL Tunnels and M80RRA teams completed trial pours of concrete slabs containing site-won calcined clay in a major step forward for sustainability on site.
In December, EBTA opened two new SUP bridges to the public – the Estelle Street Bridge and the Heyington Street Bridge.
Throughout the year the packages also created opportunities for cohorts that are historically underrepresented in the construction industry. The M80RRA saw its first all-female Civil Construction
Key milestones
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).
June 2025
Published 2024 Annual Sustainability Report ( PDF, 3.2 MB).
2026 - We are here
Published 2025 Annual Sustainability Report (PDF, 5.0 MB)