Suggested improvements not included in final designs for North East Link

The final designs for the northern section of the North East Link (M80 Ring Road to Watsonia Road) have been released. They incorporate several improvements requested by Council and the local community including:

• Improved crossings for walkers and cyclists at Elder Street and Watsonia Road
• Spaces for more trees and plants
• Improved cycling connections to the M80 trail, and
• Improved screening and noise walls.

We welcome these changes and the benefits they will provide the local community.

Feedback on the Ring Road Completion Urban Design Landscape Plan (UDLP)

Council made a submission in November 2023, titled “Feedback on Ring Road Completion UDLP”, in response to the State Government’s draft Urban Design Landscape Plan. Unfortunately many of the suggested improvements identified by Council and the community have not been incorporated in the final design.

Banyule CEO Allison Beckwith said "North East Link was a project that would benefit the local community and broader Melbourne," but noted Council’s submission called on the Minister for Planning to amend the designs for the northern section of North East Link to enhance amenity, improve connectivity and make better use of land.

Council's submission identified Watsonia as the only section of the 28-kilometre freeway where 18 lanes will be squeezed hard up between a shopping village and residential area with limited green spaces or trees to soften the landscape. It highlighted that design for this section of road is significantly less appealing than any other section of North East Link.

When endorsing its submission Council stated that the draft plans did not meet the guidelines that were set for the Watsonia community and cited instances where the proposed designs had failed.

Failure to cover the trench at Watsonia as advocated for by Council, the local community and Watsonia traders will result in less connectivity and reduced amenity and further divide the community.

The designs for the Watsonia Station Precinct are still unknown which makes it impossible to assess how accessibility for pedestrians and cyclists into the Watsonia shopping centre will be impacted.

A significant opportunity to improve the Watsonia Station precinct remains (Watsonia through NEL and associated projects (Watsonia Station upgrade). Council believes that works on the North East Link and proposed improvements to the Watsonia Station Precinct must be done at the same time as not to further inconvenience the community and to maximise opportunities for housing and services within the area.

Council has proposed further investment in the area around the station to make the most of its location within an activity centre that is well serviced by public transport and the North East Link Project. Council’s proposal includes a multi-use development over the railway line with an accessible station design, underground multideck carpark that has restaurants, community services and housing that would activate the precinct.