Whitehorse City Council is calling on residents to have their say on the Victorian Government's plans for a section of the North East Link, which could significantly impact our community.
On 9 October, plans were released for the widening of the Eastern Freeway between Burke Road in Kew and Tram Road, Doncaster. They include adding extra lanes at the expense of surrounding open space in Whitehorse and nearby municipalities.
The works, expected to begin early next year and continue until 2028, are set to impact Whitehorse residents living between Sweyn Street in Balwyn North and Station Street in Box Hill North.
The affected area also includes part of Koonung Creek Parklands, a much-loved and valued parkland within Whitehorse.
Whitehorse Mayor Councillor Mark Lane said Council was concerned about the impact the works could have on the community and particularly the municipality's valuable open space.
"We received overwhelmingly strong feedback from our community in 2018 about North East Link," Cr Lane said. "They had significant concerns about its potential environmental and social impact, and the impact on nearby residents.
"With disruptions expected for four years, Council's aim is to minimise the impact this project has on our valuable open space and our neighbourhoods.
"To achieve that, we need as many residents and commuters as possible to make a submission in this consultation period and make their voices heard."
Cr Lane said Council would make its own submission based on community feedback in the current consultation period.
"We will be advocating for the best interests of our community, and we're also committed to ensuring all major transport projects throughout Whitehorse are supported by well designed, quality areas which can be used by our community for decades to come."
Submissions close on 29 October 2023 at https://engage.vic.gov.au/eastern-freeway-upgrades-udlp
