We have been advocating since the NEL project was announced in 2017 to ensure it provides maximum benefit for the Banyule Community.

We continue to advocate for:

  • Maximising of land coverage of the NEL through Watsonia to future proof development and amenity opportunities for Watsonia.
  • An upgraded and raised Watsonia Railway Station with improved bus, pedestrian and cyclist accessibility and connectivity across the rail corridor, the North East Link and Greensborough Highway.
  • A reduction of through traffic in the Greensborough Activity Centre and improved bus priority, walkability, and amenity.
  • Public transport connections from the NEL Eastern Freeway Busway to services in Banyule.
  • A safe and direct cycling and pedestrian connection from Greensborough Station to link to the M80 shared user path via Yando Street.
  • A safe and direct cycling and pedestrian connection from Greensborough Station to Watsonia Station.
  • The provision of gateway treatments adjacent to the NEL to showcase entry to Banyule

Advocating for related improvements to the road network including:

  • Provision of a local road connection from Elder Street across the rail reserve and the NEL and Greensborough Hwy to access Watsonia Village Town Centre with bus priority.
  • Upgrade connections from the North East Link to Diamond Creek Road and Yan Yean Road and improve safety at the Civic Drive roundabout
  • A reconfiguring of Rosanna Road to improve its safety and amenity.
  • A widening of the Bell Street-Banksia Street link to reduce Burgundy Street through traffic and improve pedestrian safety in the Heidelberg Activity Centre.

Achievements so far

  • Influencing a NEL design modification to extend the land coverage of the NEL in Banyule to retain local amenity and allowing improved open space facilities at Borlase Reserve – note a further land coverage extension through Watsonia is currently being sought.
  • Facilitating State Government delivered upgrades to sporting grounds and facilities (value $40M) including:
    • Greensborough College – AFL oval, soccer pitch, and pavilion (2021)
    • Binnak Park – Sports oval, cricket wicket and nets, pavilion, landscaping (2021)
    • Ford Park – Oval, lighting, pavilion, public toilets, landscaping (2021)
    • Windsor and AK Lines Reserves - Upgraded pavilions and facilities to be delivered at completion of NEL project (2027/28)
  • Securing State Government funding towards:
    • an upgraded Watsonia Village Town Square ($5.5M)
    • the upgrading of shared user paths in Banyule including from Frensham Reserve in Watsonia to the Plenty River Trail in Yallambie ($3M)
    • development of concept plans to improve cyclist and pedestrian connectivity across Banksia Street in Heidelberg to the Eastern Freeway Shared User Path at Burke Road North ($100,000)
    • an upgrade of Trist Street Reserve in Watsonia North ($80,000)
    • the construction of a shared user path connection and bridge from the Main Yarra Trail across the Yarra River at Heidelberg ($5M) – to be delivered by City of Manningham

For full details of what Council is advocating for to be delivered in the Northern package.