Early works have started in Boroondara to prepare for construction of the North East Link (NEL). These work include relocating services such as sewer mains, water, electricity and gas to avoid disruption to these services during construction.
We are meeting regularly with the project and their contractors to review plans and provide feedback. Our aim is to minimise disruptions to the local community and our residents living in the impacted areas.
These early works are currently planned to occur at the following locations. Start dates and timeframes may change due to COVID-19 restrictions.
North East Link relocation works
Yarra East Main Sewer relocation, Bulleen
To facilitate construction of a new section of sewer, some works are being undertaken within the Boroondara Tennis Centre and Freeway Golf Course.
The new section of the Yarra East Main Sewer (YEMS) will be moved east of Bulleen Road and connect back to the existing main sewer at the Eastern Freeway, running under private land along Bulleen Road.
Three mini Tunnel Boring Machines (TBMs) will dig 1.8km of new sewer to support this relocation.
NELP is constructing a TBM launch and retrieval site and trench over the existing sewer line on the first fairway of Freeway Golf Course (FGC). The fairway has been closed and temporary fencing surrounds the construction area. The FGC remains open for use as an 18 hole course with some interim changes to layout while the works are taking place.
These changes include utilising the spare Par 4 Hole currently available while the first hole is being occupied for these works, and reversing the course layout for flow and quality of play, as well as ease of management.
Pro Shop services, lessons and café facilities will continue to operate as usual, with these works expected to be completed by November 2021.
For more information about the interim course layout, visit the Freeway Golf Course Pro Shop or call (03) 9859 9000.
A works site is being established at the Boroondara Tennis Centre to construct a TBM retrieval shaft. A temporary car park has been established and the Centre itself remains open for use, with no impact to the courts, tournament box or pavilion at this stage. Works on this site are currently scheduled for completion in August 2021.
Water main relocation, Koonung Creek Reserve
Two water mains will be relocated under the Eastern Freeway between Koonung Creek Reserve, Balwyn North and Estelle Street, Bulleen.
A construction compound will be built within the Koonung Creek Reserve, Balwyn North, and a temporary access road will be built off Carron Street, Balwyn North.
We are working closely with the project to manage impacts to the reserve, including tree removal and maintaining access to the Koonung Creek Trail.
Works in Koonung Creek Reserve will start in early March 2021 and be complete by mid-to late 2021.
Utility relocations along the Eastern Freeway
To allow for future Eastern Freeway works, a number of power and telecommunication services in Boroondara need to be relocated.
Works to move these services won’t start until later this year. More information will be available closer to the start of works.
Tree Canopy Replacement Plan
Our Boroondara Tree Canopy Replacement Plan provides NELP with a list of 30 parks and reserves where tree replacement and renewal planting is proposed to be undertaken in response to the loss of biodiversity from this project.
In total, at least 13,000 trees will be removed throughout the duration of this project. In response to this, a Tree Replacement Plan outlined in the NEL Environmental Management Plan requires NELP to deliver an established replacement tree canopy by 2045. To achieve this, they intend to plant at least 30,000 trees, of which 4,000 are anticipated to be located within Boroondara.
NELP is currently reviewing community feedback received during their consultation in late 2020 in addition to the recommendations provided by Council to help determine the best location for replacement trees.
For more information, view Council’s Tree Canopy Replacement Plan.
More information
Further information about these early works, visit the North East Link Project.
Questions about all early works activities should be directed to the North East Link Project via:
- Phone: 1800 105 105
- Email: [email protected]
We also recommend subscribing to the NELP early works e-newsletter.