Suburban Rail Loop is a multi-generational investment that will transform Victoria’s public transport network and deliver enormous social benefits for all Victorians.

Delivering a 90km rail line that provides a direct link to Melbourne Airport, Suburban Rail Loop will relieve pressure on roads and transport networks and connect people to key destinations across our city – major job centres, health services and education institutions.

SRL East (Cheltenham to Box Hill) will connect our growing health, education, retail and employment precincts in Melbourne’s east and south east.

SRL East rail infrastructure

The first phase of the planning and environmental assessment of SRL East relates specifically to the rail infrastructure components and involves the preparation and exhibition of an EES. The works will be authorised and regulated using a Planning Scheme Amendment (PSA).

SRL East precinct structure planning

Subsequent phases of the planning and environmental assessment of SRL East concern the land use structure planning for the six SRL East precincts around the new stations. This structure planning will formally commence after the EES process has finished.

Assessment and approvals processes for SRL East include an Environment Effects Statement (EES) for the rail infrastructure components and, separately, structure planning for changes in the broader precincts. Suburban Rail Loop Authority wants to hear from residents, businesses, community groups and other stakeholders throughout these phases of the project.

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SRL East EES

The SRL East EES details the proposed twin 26km between Cheltenham and Box Hill, six new stations, a stabling facility at Heatherton, and associated rail infrastructure.

The EES is being prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Minister for Planing and will be accompanied by a draft Planning Scheme Amendment (PSA). It will be placed on exhibition in late 2021. Members of the public will be able to review the EES and make a formal submission.

An independent inquiry and advisory committee will then conduct hearings and a review into the EES in 2022. The community will also be able to present to the inquiry.

This independent inquiry will inform the Planning Minister’s assessment of the EES.

Importantly, the EES will only address the rail infrastructure components of the SRL East. It will not assess the development of the precincts or future land use that may occur around the SRL East stations.

SRL East structure planning

A structure planning process will consider precinct planning in the SRL precincts. SRLA will work in partnership with local government and communities to develop structure plans for each SRL East precinct.

Structure plans will focus on planning these precincts in line with the anticipated population and employment growth over time. Options will include to develop surface transport connections for all modes of travel, plan for business growth, and safeguard and enhance local amenity and liveability, consistent with the principle of `20-minute neighbourhoods' under Plan Melbourne 2017-2050.

The structure plans will be implemented through amendments to the relevant planning schemes, with independent reviews as required by legislation.

During the development of structure plans, Suburban Rail Loop Authority will work closely and consult broadly with local residents and traders as well as local governments and relevant Victorian Government departments and agencies.

We will be relying on your local knowledge and valuable input for the future development of SRL East precincts to achieve the very best community outcomes possible.

SRL East timeline

2021

• EES public exhibition

2022

• EES inquiry
• EES assessment
• Start of works

2023

• Structure planning consultation

How to participate

For more information or to get involved, visit our Have your say page.