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A special Manningham Council meeting was convened on 2 June to consider Planning Scheme Amendment GC271, a proposal that would expand the North East Link project boundary into two areas within Koonung Creek Linear Park and has prompted questions from residents about potential impacts on local parkland, vegetation and nearby homes.
The proposed expansion affects land between Whittens Lane and Windella Quadrant in Doncaster East, including parts of Tram Road Reserve, as well as a second area on the eastern side of Wetherby Road. The amendment would apply a Special Controls Overlay to seven properties and three public road reserves within Koonung Creek Linear Park. According to Council's submission, the expanded project area would directly adjoin 49 residential properties in Doncaster and Doncaster East and includes land within areas of Cultural Heritage Sensitivity.
The North East Link Project (NELP) says the additional land may be needed for flood mitigation works, drainage upgrades, utility installations and construction access. However, residents and Manningham Council have questioned why the expansion is needed and whether less impactful alternatives have been considered.
Several residents used public question time at the meeting to seek answers about the proposal, focusing on the potential loss of open space, impacts on native vegetation and the lack of detailed information currently available.
Questions over flood modelling and parkland impacts
Box Hill North resident Carolyn asked whether Council would seek a public explanation from NELP on why additional Koonung Creek parkland was required, what evidence supported the proposal and whether less impactful alternatives had been considered.
In response, Council's Director of City Planning and Liveability, Andrew McMaster, said Council had not been provided with detailed flood modelling, technical justification or analysis of alternative options. He said Council had requested greater transparency from NELP, including evidence that alternative options had been considered and justification for why impacts on Koonung Creek parkland could not be avoided.
Concerns about trees and biodiversity
Doncaster resident Elaine asked whether Council had requested assurances that all environmental and biodiversity protection requirements would be met before any works proceed. She also asked whether the loss of tree canopy and open space was consistent with Melbourne's climate resilience and urban heat reduction goals.
Mr McMaster said Council expected all works to comply with environmental requirements and had raised concerns about potential impacts on environmentally significant vegetation and public open space. He said Council was seeking more detailed environmental assessments and evidence that impacts on native vegetation and sensitive areas would be avoided or minimised wherever possible.
Mr McMaster said Council had raised concerns about the potential loss of tree canopy and public open space, noting that the affected areas contain significant vegetation and valued green spaces that support biodiversity, urban cooling and community wellbeing.
Questions about alternatives
Another Doncaster resident Andrew asked whether councillors had been shown alternative flood mitigation options that would avoid or significantly reduce impacts on Tram Road Reserve. He also asked whether Council had requested that less environmentally damaging alternatives be fully assessed and publicly presented.
Mr McMaster said councillors had not been provided with alternative design options or detailed plans and that Council had not received enough information to determine whether less impactful alternatives existed. He said Council had requested a more targeted and evidence-based approach and was seeking detailed design information before the amendment proceeds. Mr McMaster also said Council has repeatedly called for environmental impacts to be minimised and has requested a more targeted project area to avoid unnecessary impacts on environmentally sensitive land.
Council unanimously objects
Following the discussion, councillors unanimously endorsed a submission objecting to the amendment in its current form.
Councillor Laura Mayne said the proposal had generated significant concern within the community.
"We're frustrated and disappointed and our community is genuinely distressed," she said.
Councillor Anna Chen said important questions remained unanswered.
"This particular planning amendment has several questions that remain to be answered and needs further information and clarification," she said.
Council's submission raises concerns about the extent of the proposed boundary expansion, potential impacts on public open space and vegetation, consultation with residents and the lack of detailed information currently available.
Community petition launched
Community concern has also been reflected in an online petition calling for the protection of the Koonung Creek Trail and Tram Road Reserve. The petition urges project authorities to reduce environmental impacts, investigate alternative solutions and engage more transparently with the community before any works proceed.
Organisers say that following the removal of mature trees at Eram Park for North East Link works, many residents have come to view Tram Road Reserve as one of the last remaining green refuges in the area. The prospect of further vegetation loss has heightened fears that these connected natural spaces are being eroded piece by piece, resulting in impacts that may be difficult to reverse.
Why is the expansion being proposed?
In response to questions from Manningham Life, NELP said adjustments to project boundaries are not uncommon on major infrastructure projects and that the proposed expansion reflects planning that has evolved as the project has progressed.
According to NELP, the additional land may be required for waterway management, flood mitigation, drainage upgrades, utility installations and other project-related infrastructure.
The project says some permanent works may be needed within the expanded boundary to improve flood management in areas surrounding the Koonung Creek catchment and to meet Melbourne Water requirements.
NELP also said consultation was undertaken in May, including information sessions and door knocks with affected residents. Feedback received, together with local site investigations, will be used to refine the detailed design and construction planning.
A NELP spokesperson said the Koonung Creek Trail was important to the community and that environmental requirements would apply to the proposed works.
"We know how important the Koonung Creek trail is to the community, which is why there are strict environmental controls to limit the impacts of construction on the environment and people in the area, as well as extensive community consultation," the spokesperson said.
NELP said any vegetation removal would be avoided and minimised wherever possible and that consultation on Cultural Heritage Management Plans is being undertaken with the Wurundjeri people in accordance with the Aboriginal Heritage Act.
The project also said further information about the design for these areas and how construction would be managed will be released later this year. NELP described the proposed works as smaller in scale than the major freeway upgrade works currently underway.
What happens next?
The proposed amendment is currently being considered by Planning Minister Sonya Kilkenny.
The Minister will determine whether the boundary expansion proceeds and whether any changes are required before approval is granted.
