We recognise the colony’s environmental significance and understand how important it is to protect Grey-headed Flying-foxes (GHFF). We’re committed to carefully managing our work in this sensitive area to avoid impacts on the colony.
Monitoring and advice from project ecologists have confirmed that project works have not adversely affected the GHFF colony.
A No Go Zone is a protected area around the GHFF colony where North East Link works are not permitted. This keeps construction activities well away from roosting areas. The No Go Zone was identified through the North East Link Project Environment Effects Statement and is an important reference within the Environmental Management Framework.
Ongoing monitoring, assessments and risk reviews are undertaken using annual colony surveys and information from regular colony condition observations. These steps also ensure that any movements of the colony are accurately tracked and that any negative impacts to the colony from our works are avoided. All construction impact controls and mitigations have been designed and implemented based on the current location of the colony.
Whilst some movement of the GHFF colony has been observed, ongoing monitoring confirms that the colony continues to roost within the protected No Go Zone, established through the Environmental Management Framework process.
Before starting any works within 100 metres of the colony, noise and vibration modelling is undertaken to assess impacts and ensure that levels will not exceed baseline conditions.
Our construction methodology has been carefully considered for upcoming works and we will use bored piling for the new bridge structure across the Yarra River, which is quieter and causes less vibration than driven piling, and all lighting will be hooded or directed away from the roosting areas.
An ecologist will be on site to monitor the colony’s behaviour, with real-time acoustic monitoring undertaken to measure noise impacts. The ecologist has the authority to stop works and review methodology with the construction team if noise triggers are exceeded or any signs of adverse behavioural disturbance are observed.
Some tree removal at Yarra Bend Park is required to build foundations and construction access for the new walking and cycling bridge over the Yarra River.
The tree-removal areas are outside the approved No Go Zone around the GHFF colony. The nearest GHFF roosts are within the protected zone, where no project works are permitted.
The Project continues to work closely with relevant government agencies and key stakeholders, including DEECA, Parks Victoria, Friends of Bats and Bushcare, and the Fly By Night Bat Clinic. We provide regular updates and information to these groups to support ongoing consultation and environmental management.
The new bridge and walking and cycling connection will close a missing link in Melbourne’s walking and cycling network, improving east west connections and providing a safer, more direct route through Yarra Bend Park for everyday travel and recreation.
For every tree removed across the project, 2 new trees are being planted.
We’ll plant fast-growing indigenous and native trees across the project, designed to provide a net gain in tree canopy cover by 2045. Plants next to a waterway such as a river are referred to as riparian. These plants help to stabilise the ground, reduce erosion and filter runoff before it reaches the river. Riparian planting also provides essential food and habitat for insects, birds and other animals.
Timber and mulch will also be reused for habitat restoration and community benefit wherever possible.
