Bold vision for Suburban Rail Loop advanced by Kingston
Beautiful green spaces and improved pedestrian connectivity are key features of alternative plans for the proposed Suburban Rail Loop sites at Highett and Heatherton developed by Kingston Council.
Kingston's vision for the sites proposes integrated and enhanced design outcomes, including an underground pedestrian connection to Southland Station and Westfield Shopping Centre, plus a green roof over the train stabling yards at Heatherton.
Kingston's advocacy to date has been to preserve the Delta Site in Heatherton as core parkland for the Sandbelt Open Space - Chain of Parks Strategy, however, in the event this is not agreed to by the state government, Council is pursuing a detailed mitigation strategy.
Kingston Mayor Steve Staikos said he hoped the plans, developed with community input every step of the way, would help the Victorian Government plan the Suburban Rail Loop (SRL).
"The SRL will shape our community for decades to come and these visionary plans showcase the high-quality community and environmental outcomes that could, and should, be achieved," Cr Staikos said.
Deputy Mayor and Wattle Ward Councillor, Jenna Davey-Burns, said we heard loud and clear from our community that retaining open green spaces and protecting our treasured community infrastructure, like the farmers market and skate park, are top priorities.
"Our residents also strongly supported our whole of precinct approach, which includes connecting neighbouring communities with vital shared user pathway access to the new station," Cr Davey-Burns said.
"Kingston has a proud history of working closely with the state government to deliver projects and programs that enhance the lives of our community, and we welcome continued dialogue around this transformational project."
Karkarook Ward Councillor, Hadi Saab, emphasised the importance of reducing the heat island effect in Heatherton should the state government choose to proceed with the stabling yards at their preferred location.
"During a period of unprecedented climate warming our infrastructure projects must act as exemplars of global best practice outcomes in appropriately mitigating this very real threat," Cr Saab said.
The designs were developed following extensive consultation with our community and key stakeholders including Southland's Scentre Group, Bayside City Council, water and transport experts, Move the Train Yard, Heatherton RAID, Kingston Heath Golf Club, Victorian Transport Advocacy Group, Defenders of the South East Green Wedge, Kingston Residents Association, Development Victoria, and the Department of Transport.
Sir William Fry Reserve Vision:
- Integrate parkland to retain views and green space
- Better access for all pedestrians and creating shared user pathway connections
- Improve bus connections
- Include additional station entries and underground connection to Southland
- Create more open spaces
- New skate park and other park improvements
- Retaining the Kingston Farmers Market
Heatherton Stabling Yards:
Council opposes the Delta site being used for a train stabling yard, instead council and the community expects the delivery of the long-awaited Chain of Parks.
However, if the project proceeds steps should be taken to minimise the negative impact on nearby homes and our Green Wedge with:Green roof over stabling yard
- Creating wetlands area
- Retaining Old Dandenong Road access
- Improved pedestrian connections
- Increased green open space
- Better bus connections
Kingston Council is also advocating for early action by the Suburban Rail Loop project to:
- Protect native wildlife, including those of local significance, through their identification in the Environmental Effects Statement and ensure appropriate mitigation measures are put in place.
- Provide appropriate traffic management measures to manage local traffic congestion and access through project construction.
- Ensure the continuing operation of the Kingston Farmers Market in a suitable location if it requires relocating during construction.
Kingston City will now present the alternative designs to the Suburban Rail Loop Authority and Environmental Effects Statement Independent Advisory Committee in an effort to influence the project's planning phase.
The Environmental Effects Statement Inquiry is scheduled to commence on 28 February 2022 and is likely to sit for approximately two months.
The proposed Suburban Rail Loop will be delivered by the Suburban Rail Loop Authority as part of a $35 billion, 15-year, underground train line that will connect Cheltenham SRL Station (located in Sir William Fry Reserve, Highett) to jobs, hospitals, education institutions and businesses at Clayton, Monash University, Glen Waverley, Deakin University and Box Hill.
To view the alternate designs, visit https://www.yourkingstonyoursay.com.au/srl-swf-stage-2 and to stay up to date with all things SRL, visit Suburban Rail Loop East Inquiry and Advisory Committee | Engage Victoria
