Gregory Ball, Candidate, Bellevue Ward
1. Do you support, oppose or are you neutral regarding the NE Link Project including the widening of the Eastern Freeway?
I oppose the current North East Link project. I understand tunnelling is just now commencing. As I stated as a candidate in the 2020 election: “Advocate the abandonment of the current North East Link plan and ask the State Government to revisit Options B (Central), Option C (Eastern) and Option D (Far Eastern).” My position has not changed. Also, I oppose the widening of the Eastern Freeway because it will increase noise, particulate matter pollution, and air pollution, and will take much of what is left of Koonung Creek Reserve.
2. If elected, what will you commit to do in relation to the North East Link Project in the best interests of your constituents in order to protect public health, the environment, social amenity and liveability and the municipality’s obligations to mitigate climate change?
I would continue to oppose the current North East Link project and ask the State Government to revisit the other Options. I recall Option D looked to me to be the most sensible of the four Options, while the Victorian Transport Association preferred Option C. To reduce or eliminate noise, particulate matter pollution and air pollution, I would work with the State Government to enclose the Eastern Freeway, similar in concept to the CityLink Sound Tube, and to filter the air to remove particulate matter and possibly air pollution (oxides of nitrogen and sulphur, ozone, and partially-combusted hydrocarbons). Noise walls, such as the Hays Paddock noise wall, are ineffective. It would also be necessary to work with the State Government to reduce traffic congestion associated with the North East Link Project, if the current project proceeds. To reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve the livability of Bellevue Ward, I would work with the State Government to build-out the public transport network, improve service and reduce fares. Reducing miles driven using petrol cars will reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Reducing fares in Queensland in 2024 has been shown to dramatically increase public transport ridership. Two much-studied projects I would pursue are to extend the 72 Tram Route along Burke Road from Cotham Road/Whitehorse Road to Doncaster Road and to extend the 48 Tram Route along Doncaster Road from Balwyn Road to Greythorn Road (Doncaster Park and Ride) or Williamsons Road (Westfield Doncaster). There are also opportunities to improve bus services. To utilize the large area of the Eastern Freeway, I would propose to construct recreational facilities over the road cut and to install solar panels elsewhere to generate electricity, creating a community microgrid with energy storage and underground power lines.
Serena Huang, Candidate, Bellevue Ward
1. Do you support, oppose or are you neutral regarding the NE Link Project including the widening of the Eastern Freeway?
Oppose. 100%.
2. If elected, what will you commit to do in relation to the North East Link Project in the best interests of your constituents in order to protect public health, the environment, social amenity and liveability and the municipality’s obligations to mitigate climate change?
I will advocate for comprehensive monitoring of air pollution, noise level, traffic congestion – these have to be acknowledged by the NE link project and the State Government, which are now in denial of how mad of an impact they have made!
At a local level, I will push them to take action on getting better amenities for the community, which through the work I have done with the local community in the past 2 months, they have agreed to the gazebo. However, we have 18 pages of what the community needs, and I will fight for that to be done.
The main thing here is the resident’s voice has to be heard and recognised, they can not keep a blind eye.
Michael Nolan, Candidate, Bellevue Ward
1. Do you support, oppose or are you neutral regarding the NE Link Project including the widening of the Eastern Freeway?
As a Candidate for Councilor in Bellevue Ward, City of Boroondara, my preference would have been for NE-Link not to proceed.
But given it is happening, with little prospect of it being stopped, we need to ensure we get the best possible outcomes for Residents in Bellevue and Boroondara.
2. If elected, what will you commit to do in relation to the North East Link Project in the best interests of your constituents in order to protect public health, the environment, social amenity and liveability and the municipality’s obligations to mitigate climate change?
Most of you living in proximity to the North-East Link (NE-Link) construction works are already being impacted. Some residents have told me noise has already increased, since the NEL Authority removed the trees that were 50 years old. Construction at night is also impacting residents.
We know the Victorian government is under financial pressure in Victoria, so our Council must make sure the Vic Government doesn’t ‘cut corners’ when it comes to NE-Link.
I’m running for Council to represent you in Bellevue Ward. I am a genuine independent with no political allegiances. I have an engineering background, and I together with community have a number of wins in campaigning for community interests. I will fight and advocate for you to get the best possible outcomes if you are living near NE-Link. So, what can Council do?
First, Council must be a ‘watchdog’ on behalf of residents. Council must ensure we get high-grade noise barriers, installed to promised specifications; quality tree-planting at Koonung Creek Reserve; park amenities are as promised by Vic Government & NE-Link and it’s sub-contractors.
Second, Boroondara Council should allocate money in the Boroondara Council budget to ‘make up the gap’ between what has been agreed NE-link must supply, and what the community asked for during consultation.
Third, Council must ensure that air pollution is monitored and that it meets specifications.
Fourth, Council should actively seek a review of Public Transport in Nth Balwyn with Public Transport Victoria (PTV), for more frequent buses and possibly an additional route.
Other specific suggestions from local residents:
- Install noise barriers along NE-Link as soon as possible, e.g. build noise barriers next year, in year 2025,rather than waiting until 4 years’ time in 2028;
- Ensure new trees thrive. Monitor tree health for 5-10 years not just one or two years;
- Ensure new trees thrive. Monitor tree health for 5-10 years not just one or two years;
- Boroondara Council should provide the amenities that got knocked from NE-Link’s scope;
- Reduce air pollution – restrict NE-Link speed to 80km/h at night & on calm winter days;
- Increase bus frequency for residents in Nth Balwyn e.g. Route 285 Bus every 15 minutes;
- Boroondara Council should provide the amenities that got knocked from NE-Link’s scope;
- Reduce air pollution – restrict NE-Link speed to 80km/h at night & on calm winter days;
- Increase bus frequency for residents in Nth Balwyn e.g. Route 285 Bus every 15 minutes;
- Look at a new Bus route via Eastern Fwy & Hoddle St, taking 25–35 minutes to the city.