State Government confirms only the Heatherton site will be considered for train stabling yards
Council has been advised by the Victorian Government that it will only be putting forward the site at Old Dandenong Road in Heatherton for assessment as the proposed location for the Suburban Rail Loop stabling yards.
Kingston Mayor Steve Staikos said Council had written to the Government to on behalf of the community about the future of the Delta site at 91-185 Kingston Road in Heatherton, and specifically requested alternative options also be considered. “The Minister for Transport Infrastructure, The Hon Jacinta Allan MP has now advised us that the Government will be presenting only this one site for assessment through the Environment Effects Statement (ESS),” said Cr Staikos.
The Minister has informed Council that the Delta site was selected because “it will significantly minimise residential and commercial property acquisition, including impacts on local jobs, agricultural land, and the environment”.
Council has assembled a high-calibre team of legal, environmental and planning consultant experts to inform and support our advocacy through the EES process on behalf of the community.
This includes the appointment of technical experts to assist Council in the fields of traffic and transport, urban design, landscape architecture, arboriculture, ecology, noise and vibration, groundwater, and ground movement.
Deputy Mayor and Karkarook Ward Councillor Hadi Saab said Council was committed to fully representing the concerns of the community at the ESS.
“The Victorian Government’s decision to proceed with the Delta site will have a significant impact on the surrounding communities as well as on our long-held vision for the Sandbelt Open Space Chain of Parks,” said Cr Saab. “Now we have been told only one site is to be presented at ESS, we will be working hard to make sure all the potential impacts of this decision are presented through the process as well.”
Some of those impacts include:
- Permanent noise as a result of the train stabling, including years of construction noise and then ongoing 24/7 train stabling and maintenance noise.
- Dust, dirt, and vibrations during the construction phase.
- Around the clock light from the stabling yard to dramatically reduce liveability of the area.
- The use of Kingston’s Green Wedge for industrial purposes.
- The impact on the future of the Sandbelt Open Space Chain of Parks project.
- The loss of a site long earmarked for an important regional sportsground.
- The permanent closure of Old Dandenong Road between Heatherton Road and the Henry Street Trail.
“Council acknowledges that the Suburban Rail Loop represents the biggest infrastructure project in the State’s history and will create many much-needed local jobs but the Government must do this in a respectful way that recognises the significant impact this project will have on communities and our important Green Wedge,” said Cr Staikos.
“The Victorian Government has promised there will be ongoing community consultation and opportunities to provide input during the EES process. We encourage the community to add their voice and share their concerns about the impact of the Government’s decision.”
