On 30th June 2014, the Planning Minister, Mr Matthew Guy approved the East West Link project with a three pertinent conditions:
1. Delete Elliott Avenue tunnel access from the design
2. Investigate the inclusion of an off ramp to Flemington Rd
3. Investigate moving the tunnel opening from the Upfield railway line to Oak St.
The community welcomes the removal of the Elliott Avenue interchange from the proposal. However, the inclusion of a Flemington Road access point has obviously created community anxiety. Large questions now exist as to which residents will be impacted by this new project element and which areas of parkland will be forever lost to the toll road.
A Better Alternative: Parkville is based upon the road design of Safety Net for royal Park Option 2.
This design option reflects a more sensitive design approach which is still largely contained within the project boundary as defined by the Linking Melbourne Authority and the Planning Permit as approved by Planning Minister Matthew Guy.
The benefits of this design over the LMA reference design are numerous.
In summary
- Ross Straw Field is saved in its entirety
- 55 Homes in West Parkville are saved from destruction.
- Fewer remaining homes will have their amenity impacted
- A Flemington Road exit can be incorporated to avoid further destruction of Royal park
- White’s Skink Habitat remains fully intact
The image and aerial map below indicate the extents of this design
Click here to read on about transport considerations