ewl ac report volume 1 report part 1

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I

MajorTransportProjectsFacilitationAct2009

EastWestLink(EasternSection)Project

AssessmentCommitteeReport

Volume1 Report

30May2014


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MajorTransportProjectsFacilitationAct2009AssessmentCommitteeReportpursuanttoSection73oftheActEastWestLink(EasternSection)Project

KathrynMitchell,Chair NickWimbush,DeputyChair

LynDenison,Member DesGrogan,Member

JimHoldsworth,Member WilliamONeil,Member


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EastWestLink(EasternSection)ProjectAssessmentCommitteeReport30May2014

Contents

Page

ExecutiveSummaryandRecommendations......................................................................... i

PartA:Background.............................................................................................................. 1

1 Introduction................................................................................................................ 3

1.1 TheAssessmentCommittee....................................................................................3

1.2 TermsofReferenceandRoleoftheCommittee....................................................3

1.3 ApproachtothisReport..........................................................................................5

1.4 MattersnotConsideredinDetail............................................................................6

2 TheProject.................................................................................................................. 9

2.2 ProjectAreaPrecincts...........................................................................................10

2.3 TheReferenceProjectandProposedProjectBoundary.......................................17

2.4 DeliveryModel......................................................................................................18

3 LegislativeandPolicyContext................................................................................... 19

3.1 LegislationandApplicableLawApprovals............................................................19

3.2 Policy.....................................................................................................................24

3.3 TheEddingtonReport...........................................................................................27

3.4 PlanningforMajorRoads......................................................................................32

4 ExhibitionofCISandSubmissions............................................................................. 34

4.1 Exhibition...............................................................................................................34

4.2 SummaryofIssuesRaised.....................................................................................34

5 PublicHearingProcess.............................................................................................. 37

5.1 InformationBriefing..............................................................................................37

5.2 SiteInspections.....................................................................................................37

5.3 PreliminaryHearing...............................................................................................38

5.4 AssessmentCommitteePublicHearings...............................................................41

5.5 ScopeoftheCommitteesAssessment.................................................................50

PartB:

Assessment

............................................................................................................

65

6 TrafficandTransport................................................................................................ 67

6.1 Introduction...........................................................................................................67

6.2 TrafficPerformance...............................................................................................69

6.3 Precinct1:HoddleStreet EasternPortal............................................................76

6.4 Precinct2:AlexandraParade................................................................................92

6.5 Precinct3:RoyalPark(WesternPortal)................................................................94

6.6 Precinct4:CityLink..............................................................................................112

6.7 Precinct5:PortConnection................................................................................113

6.8

Precinct6:

Footscray

Road

..................................................................................

116

6.9 OtherTraffic/TransportRelatedIssues...............................................................117


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6.10 ApplicableApprovals...........................................................................................118

7 LandUseandInfrastructure.................................................................................... 120

7.1 Introduction.........................................................................................................120

7.2

Impactson

Housing

.............................................................................................

122

7.3 ImpactsonRecreationFacilitiesandOpenSpace..............................................146

7.4 ImpactonCommunityFacilities..........................................................................160

7.5 ImpactsonInfrastructure/Utilities......................................................................167

8 VisualImpacts,UrbanDesignandLandscape..........................................................173

8.1 Introduction.........................................................................................................173

8.2 VisualImpactIssues............................................................................................175

8.3 UrbanDesignFrameworkAssessment................................................................195

9 NoiseandVibration................................................................................................ 204

9.1 Introduction.........................................................................................................204

9.2 PolicySettings......................................................................................................206

9.3 ConsiderationofNoiseImpacts..........................................................................210

9.4 TrafficNoise.........................................................................................................212

9.5 ConstructionNoise..............................................................................................222

9.6 TunnelVentilationNoise.....................................................................................226

9.7 VibrationImpacts................................................................................................229

10 AirEmissionsandAirQuality.................................................................................. 239

10.1 Introduction.........................................................................................................239

10.2

GeneralIssues

.....................................................................................................

244

10.3 TunnelEmissionIssues........................................................................................246

10.4 InTunnelAirQualityIssues.................................................................................254

10.5 SurfaceRoadsandNearRoadAirQuality...........................................................257

10.6 PartB...................................................................................................................259

10.7 GreenhouseGas..................................................................................................261

10.8 PublicHealth........................................................................................................264


11 CulturalHeritage..................................................................................................... 270

11.1

Introduction.........................................................................................................

270

11.2 SitesofHistoricalCulturalSignificance...............................................................272


12 SurfaceandGroundWater..................................................................................... 278

12.1 Introduction.........................................................................................................278

12.2 ImpactsonSurfaceWater...................................................................................280

12.3 ImpactsonGroundwater....................................................................................285



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13 NativeVegetationandBiodiversity......................................................................... 290

13.1 Introduction.........................................................................................................290

13.2 ImpactsonNativeVegetation.............................................................................293

13.3

Impacts

on

Fauna

Species

and

Associated

Habitats

...........................................

307


14 SolidWasteandContamination.............................................................................. 319

14.1 Introduction.........................................................................................................319

14.2 ContaminationIssues..........................................................................................320

14.3 SolidWasteIssues...............................................................................................327

15 SocialandBusinessImpacts.................................................................................... 332

15.1 Introduction.........................................................................................................332

15.2 SocialImpacts......................................................................................................335

15.3

BusinessImpacts

.................................................................................................

341

PartC:Implementation.................................................................................................... 355

16 EnvironmentalManagementFramework................................................................357

16.1 OverallEnvironmentalManagementFramework..............................................357

16.2 KeyIssues............................................................................................................358

16.3 EvidenceandSubmissions...................................................................................358

16.4 DiscussionandConclusions.................................................................................360

16.5 Findings................................................................................................................362

17

Performance

Requirements

....................................................................................

363

17.1 Introduction.........................................................................................................363

17.2 KeyIssues............................................................................................................363

17.3 SubmissionsandEvidence...................................................................................363

17.4 Discussion............................................................................................................365

17.5 Findings................................................................................................................367

18 PlanningControl..................................................................................................... 368

18.1 PlanningSchemeAmendmentGC2....................................................................368

18.2 KeyIssues............................................................................................................371

18.3

Submissionsand

Evidence...................................................................................

371

18.4 Discussion............................................................................................................376


PartD:ConclusionsandRecommendations..................................................................... 381

19 ConclusionsandRecommendations........................................................................ 383

19.1 ResponsetoTermsofReference........................................................................383

19.2 ApplicableLawCriteria........................................................................................387

19.3 Recommendations..............................................................................................389


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ListofTables

Page

Table1:

Parties

to

the

Assessment

Committee

Hearing

....................................................

41

Table2: Comparison of Metropolitan Vehicle and Public Transport Trips

2031withandwithoutEWL..................................................................................70

Table3: SummaryofKeyCongestionLocations.................................................................71

Table4: ExistingTravelTimeSurvey(AMPeakPeriod)......................................................73

Table5: ExistingandForecastDailyTrafficVolumes..........................................................78

Table6: TrafficVolumesBaseduponPopulationScenarios...............................................80

Table7: Existing and 2031 Forecast Traffic Volumes with and without

EWL........................................................................................................................90

Table8: Forecast2031TrafficVolumeswithandwithoutEWL.........................................90

Table9: TrafficVolumesBasedonPopulationScenarios...................................................91

Table10: TrafficVolumesBasedonPopulationScenarioforFootscrayRoad...................116

Table11: ResponsetoUrbanDesignPrinciples..................................................................200

Table12: ResponsetothePublicHearingMattersintheTermsofReference..................384


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ListofFigures

Page

Figure1:

East

West

Link

Eastern

Section

Reference

Project

Main

Components............................................................................................................9

Figure2: ProjectBoundaryandPrecincts1to6..................................................................10

Figure3: Precinct1...............................................................................................................11

Figure4: Precinct2...............................................................................................................12

Figure5: Precinct3...............................................................................................................13

Figure6: Precinct4...............................................................................................................15

Figure7: Precinct5...............................................................................................................16

Figure8: Precinct6...............................................................................................................17

Figure9: PotentialLocationofCorridors.............................................................................29

Figure10: VicRoadsCongestionLocationsforExistingConditions.......................................70

Figure11: 2031ForecastDailyVolumes Westbound..........................................................74

Figure12: 2031ForecastDailyVolumes Eastbound............................................................75

Figure13: Sheet13fromCISMapbook..................................................................................77

Figure14: Sheet7fromCISMapbook....................................................................................94

Figure15: Sheet6fromCISMapbook....................................................................................95


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AbbreviationsandAcronyms

AADT AnnualAverageDailyTrafficVolume

AAQ

NEPM

Ambient

Air

Quality

NEPM

AAWDT AnnualAverageWeekdayTrafficVolume

ACH AboriginalCulturalHeritage

AILA AustralianInstituteofLandscapeArchitects

AQM AirQualityManagement

ASCNEPM AssessmentSiteContaminationNEPM

AWDT AverageWeeklyDailyTraffic

BAGs BiodiversityAssessmentGuidelines

BIA BusinessImpactAssessment

CBD CentralBusinessDistrict

CCG CombinedCommunityGroups

CEMP ConstructionEnvironmentManagementPlan

CHMP CulturalHeritageManagementPlan

CIS ComprehensiveImpactStatement

CLC CommunityLiaisonCommittee

CO CarbonMonoxide

Committee AssessmentCommitteeappointedtoconsidertheCISunder

TermsofReferenceissuedbytheMinisterforPlanning

CoM CityofMelbourne

CSL CommonwealthSerumLaboratories

DART DoncasterAreaRapidTransit

DDI DivergingDiamondInterchange

DDO

Designand

Development

Overlay

DEPI DepartmentofEnvironmentandPrimaryIndustry

dB Decibelmeasurementofnoise

dBA Expressionoftherelativeloudnessofsoundinairas

perceivedbythehumanear

DBH DiameteratBreastHeight

DNRE DepartmentofNaturalResourcesandEnvironment

DSE DepartmentofSustainabilityandEnvironment

DSEWPaC DepartmentofSustainabilityEnvironmentWater


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PopulationsandCommunities

DTPLI DepartmentofTransport,PlanningandLocalInfrastructure

ECG EssendonCommunityGarden

ESCAPE EuropeanStudyofCohortsforAirPollutionEffects

EddingtonReport ThereportentitledInvestinginTransportEastWestLink

NeedsAssessmentAStudypreparedbySirRodEddington,

March2008

EES EnvironmentEffectsStatement

EMF EnvironmentalManagementFramework

EMP EnvironmentalManagementPlan

EMS EnvironmentalManagementSystem

EPA EnvironmentProtectionAuthority

EPAct EnvironmentProtectionAct1970

EPBCAct EnvironmentProtectionandBiodiversityConservationAct

1999

EVC(s) EcologicalVegetationClass(es)

EWL EastWestLink

EWLNA EastWestLinkNeedsAssessment

FBTT

FishermansBend

220

kV

Transmission

Tower

FFGAct FloraandFaunaGuaranteeAct1988

FullEastWestLink The18kilometrelengthofroadextendingfromtheEastern

FreewayatHoddleStreettotheWesternRingRoadat

SunshineWest

ha hectares

Hha Habitathectares

HCV HeavyCommercialVehicles

Hearing PublicHearingconductedbytheAssessmentCommittee

HO HeritageOverlay

IMP ImpactManagementPlan

IMPA InnerMelbournePlanningAlliance

IARC InternationalAgencyforResearchintoCancer

km kilometreorkilometres

kph kilometre(s)perhour

kV

kilovolt


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LA10 Noiselevelexceededfor10%ofaspecifiedtimeperiod

LAeq Equaltotheaveragenoiseoveraspecifiedperiod

LCVs LightCommercialVehicles

LMA LinkingMelbourneAuthority

LOT LargeOldTree

LPPF LocalPlanningPolicyFramework

m metreormetres

Mapbook ThemapbookwhichformspartoftheCIS

MOT MediumOldTree

MoU MemorandumofUnderstandingbetweentheLMAandCity

ofMelbourne

MPCCC MooneePondsCreekCoordinationCommittee

MSS MunicipalStrategicStatement

MTPFAct MajorTransportProjectsFacilitationAct2009

MVCC MooneeValleyCityCouncil

NEPC NationalEnvironmentProtectionCouncil

NEPM NationalEnvironmentProtectionMeasure

NO2

NitrogenDioxide

OHS OccupationalHealthandSafety

P&EAct PlanningandEnvironmentAct1987

PAHs PolycyclicAromaticHydrocarbons

PartA ThepartoftheProjectthatextendsfromthewesternendof

theEasternFreewayinCliftonHillandconnectstoCityLinkin

Parkville,andwhichincludestheOrmondRoadofframp

PartB ThepartoftheProjectcomprisingtheelevatedviaductalong

thewestern

side

of

CityLink

from

Mount

Alexander

Road

to

FootscrayRoad

PB ParsonsBrinkerhoff

PEM ProtocolforEnvironmentalManagement

PIARC PermanentInternationalAssociationofRoadCongress

PIW PrescribedIndustrialWaste

PM2.5 Particulatematterwithanequivalentaerodynamicdiameter

of2.5micronsorless

PM10

Particulate

matter

with

an

equivalent

aerodynamic

diameter


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of10micronsorless

ProposedProjectBoundary TheProposedProjectBoundarydelineatedasabluedotted

lineoneachofthedetailedroadalignmentplanscontained

within

the

Map

Book,

being

drawings

EWL

DES

DR

1100

EWLDESDR1130

PPP PublicPrivatePartnership

PPV PlanningPanelsVictoria

PTV PublicTransportVictoria

RACV RoyalAutoClubVictoria

RATs ResidentsAgainsttheTunnels

ReferenceProject TheReferenceProjectasdescribedintheCIS

RFI

Requestfor

Further

Information

s Section(ofanAct)

s57(4)response TheresponseoftheLMAtotherequestoftheCommittee

forfurtherinformationpursuanttoSection57(4)ofthe

MTPFAct

ScopingDirections ThescopingdirectionfortheProjectpublishedbythe

MinisterforPlanningon27May2013

SEPP StateEnvironmentProtectionPolicy

SEPP(AAQ)

State

Environment

Protection

Policy

(Ambient

Air

Quality)

SEPP(AQM) StateEnvironmentProtectionPolicy(AirQuality

Management)

SEPPN1 StateEnvironmentProtectionPolicy(ControlofNoisefrom

Industry,CommerceandTrade)

SEPP(PMCL) StateEnvironmentProtectionPolicy(Preventionand

ManagementofContaminatedLand)

SEPP(WoV) StateEnvironmentProtectionPolicy(WatersofVictoria)

SIA

SocialImpact

Assessment

SIDRA SignalisedIntersectionDesignandResearchAid

SPPF StatePlanningPolicyFramework

SNRP SafetyNetforRoyalPark

SRV SportandRecreationVictoria

TermsofReference TermsofReferenceissuedbytheMinisterforPlanningto

theCommitteeon21October2013

TheProject TheEastWestLink(EasternSection)declaredbythePremier

ofVictoriapursuanttos10oftheMTPFActon20December


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2012

TIA TrafficImpactAssessment

TIAct TransportIntegrationAct2010

TBM TunnelBoringMachine

UDF UrbanDesignFramework

USEPA UnitedStatesEnvironmentalProtectionAgency

VHT Vehiclehourstravelled

VKT Vehiclekilometrestravelled

VLCModel TheZenithStrategicTransportModeldevelopedbyVeitch

ListerConsulting,usedtomodeltrafficimpactforthe

purposeofinformingtheCIS

VOC volatileorganiccompounds

vpd Vehiclesperday

VPP VictoriaPlanningProvisions

VTNP VicRoadsTrafficNoisePolicy

WHO WorldHealthOrganisation

WMTS WestMelbourneTerminalStation

YCAN YarraClimateActionNow

NOTE: TheCommitteehasaccessedanumberoftablesandplansfromtheLMAinthis

report. ThefollowingdisclaimerisprovidedbytheLMA:

MappingproductsGHD2013. WhileLinkingMelbourneAuthorityhas

taken care to provide accurate mapping products, Linking Melbourne

Authorityandthedatacustodians(GHDandDEPI)makenorepresentations

orwarranties

about

its

accuracy,

completeness

or

suitability

for

any

particularpurpose. LinkingMelbourneAuthorityand thedatacustodians

(GHDandDEPI)cannotacceptliabilityofanykind(whetherincontract,tort

or otherwise)for any expenses, losses, damages and/or costs (including

indirectorconsequentialdamage)whichareormaybeincurredasaresult

ofthemappingproductsbeinginaccurate,incompleteorunsuitableinany

wayandforanyreason.


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Pagei

ExecutiveSummaryandRecommendations

EXECUTIVESUMMARY

1. On20December2012,theVictorianPremierdeclaredtheProposedfreewaystandardlink between the Eastern Freeway and the Tullamarine Freeway generally along the

AlexandraParadecorridor,withafurthersoutherlyconnectiontothePortofMelbourne

areatobeadeclaredprojectpursuanttotheMajorTransportProjectsFacilitationAct

2009. ThisProjectisknownastheEastWestLink(EasternSection)Project.

2. TheProjectcomprises twoparts. PartAofthe linkextends from theEasternFreewaynearHoddleStreettoCityLink,andPartBextendsfromCityLinkthroughtothePortof

Melbourne,alongaparallelviaductwithCityLink. Ultimately it isproposedthatPartB

willlinktotheWesternRingRoad(thisProjectisknownasWestLink).

3. It is the policy position of the State Government to build the East West Link, which isincluded in the State policy Plan Melbourne, the Governments new metropolitan

strategy,adoptedandreleasedon19May2014.

4. TheEast WestLink (EasternSection) ProjectAssessmentCommitteewasappointed bythe Minister for Planning on 21 October 2013 under the provisions of sections 35 and

235 of theMajorTransportProjectsFacilitationAct 2009 to assess the East West Link

(Eastern Section) Comprehensive Impact Statement and to make recommendations to

theMinister forPlanning inaccordancewithsection73oftheAct. Onthesamedate,

theMinisterforPlanningsignedTermsofReferencefortheCommittee(AppendixA).

5. TheproponentfortheEastWestLinkProjectistheLinkingMelbourneAuthority.6. ThecatalystforthisProjectcamefromastudybySirRodEddingtonin2008Investingin

TransportEastWestLinkNeedsAssessment. TheEddingtonReportreviewedarange

of transport options, and provided twenty recommendations, two of which related

directlytotheEasternFreewaycorridor:

Planningwork should commence on the staged construction of a new 18kilometrecrosscityroadconnectionextendingfromthewesternsuburbsto

theEasternFreeway.

Public transport to the Doncaster region is best provided by rapid, highqualitybusservices,additionalbusprioritymeasuresandamajornewbus

railinterchangeatVictoriaPark.

7. TheproposalunderreviewbythisCommittee ismorethana linkbetweentheEasternFreewayandCityLink. ItprovidesforaflyoverstructureatHoddleStreet,partialaccess

andegressatElliottAvenueinRoyalPark,anofframptoOrmondRoadandwideningof

partsofbothCityLinkandtheEasternFreeway. AllworksareincludedwithinaProposed

ProjectBoundary.

8. The Comprehensive Impact Statement provides the basis for consideration of theimpacts of the Project. The Comprehensive Impact Statement contains a Reference

ProjectasonepossibleoptiononhowtheProjectcanbedelivered,but theReference

Project

has

no

formal

status.

As

such,

there

is

no

definitive

Project

before

the

Committeeforevaluation. Rather,whatisbeforetheCommitteeisessentiallyafreeway


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Pageii

reservation in a Proposed Project Boundary, with ancillary features (such as ramps) to

supportthisproposal.

9. The Committee supports linking the Eastern Freeway to CityLink/Tullamarine Freeway,predominantly

via

a

tunnel.

10.ThereisdemonstratedmeritinremovingthroughtrafficfromtheEasternFreewaywhichusestheAlexandraParade/PrincesStreet/CemeteryRoad/MacarthurAvenueandElliott

AvenueroutetogettoCityLinkandviceversa. Thetunnelshouldreducethevolumeof

surfacetrafficalongthatroute intheshorttomediumtermandprovideopportunities

for road enhancements and public amenity improvements, as well as improvement to

publictransportlevelsofserviceandpedestrianandcyclinglinks.

11.The Committee accepts there are State and metropolitan economic and communitybenefitsinlinkingtheEasternFreewaywithCityLink,butconsidersthedirectimpactson

localcommunitiesneedtobebetterresolved.

12.To facilitate theReferenceProject,some105residentialpropertiesand35commercialproperties are proposed to be acquired within the Proposed Project Boundary. In

addition,thereare258propertiesaffectedthroughbelowgroundstrataacquisition. The

direct and indirect impacts are broader than this, and adjacent communities will be

adverselyaffectedbyboththeconstructionandoperationofthisProject.

13.MuchoftheComprehensiveImpactStatementandtheaccompanyingTechnicalReportsdealtwithevaluatingPartAoftheProject,withsignificantlylessevaluationofPartB.

14.InprovidingitssupportforlinkingtheEasternFreewaytoCityLink,theCommitteemakesthefollowingfindingsaboutPartAandtheReferenceProject. Thealignmentforthelink

between

the

Eastern

Freeway

and

the

northbound

connection

to

CityLink

and

the

TullamarineFreewayissupported,subjecttotherevisionsrecommendedinthisreport.

Someofthekeymodificationsinclude:

(a) TheeasternportalandventilationstacksshouldberelocatedeastofHoddleStreetandtheHurstbridge/SouthMorangRailwayLine.

(b)TheproposedflyoveratHoddleStreetshouldnotbeconstructedas itisshown intheReferenceProject,duetothe:

SignificantpredictedreductioninpeakhouranddailytrafficvolumestravellingnorthonHoddleStreetturningeastontotheFreeway.

HeritagevaluesoftheBendigoStreetareaandtheShotTower. Socialimpactsofacquisition(andonthoselivingnearby). Amenityimpactsassociatedwiththeflyover.More work needs to be undertaken to determine the appropriate interchange

design to cater for this eastbound movement on to the Eastern Freeway from

HoddleStreet.

(c) Bored tunnel construction should be extended at least as far east as WellingtonStreetandifnecessary,thealignmentoftheproposedtunnelsshouldberelocated

tomanagetheconstructionprocesstoavoidtheneedfortheproposedsidetrack.

This

is

due

to

unacceptable,

and

on

the

material

presented

to

the

Committee,

unnecessary, impacts on existing residents and businesses (not only those to be

acquired,butthoseincloseproximity).


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Pageiii

(d)There should be no interchange at Elliott Avenue in Royal Park, however, thereshouldbe further investigationofotheroptionstoconnecttheEastWestLinkto

FlemingtonRoad.

(e)

Contaminated

spoil

is

not

to

be

stored

within

Royal

Park,

Manningham

Parklands,

RossStrawFieldortheformerFitzroyGasworkssite.

(f) The locationof thewestern portalshould be further investigated. ConsiderationshouldbegiventoanareaadjacenttoOakStreetnorthoftheManninghamStreet

intersection.

15.The Committee considers that the impacts of the southbound connection of Part A toCityLink,anditsconnectiontoPartBoftheProjecthavenotbeenadequatelyaddressed.

The Committee concludes further work should be undertaken to better resolve these

connections through the identification of a more appropriate location outside the

Proposed Project Boundary. This further work should occur in association with

identifyingan

appropriate

Part

B

alignment.

16.The Committee makes the following findings about Part B and the Reference Project.Part B has not been adequately assessed, and should be set aside until the proposed

widening of CityLink and the Tullamarine Freeway, and the proposed WestLink

connection isbetterunderstoodandresolved. Thisshouldtake intoaccountanumber

ofkeyissues,including:

(a) Resolution and development of Part B with greater integration with the ArdenMacaulayStructurePlan.

(b)Key locational impacts such as the Vision Australia premises, SP AusNet site, theFlemington

Housing

estate

(and

its

playgrounds,

gardens

and

the

community

centre),andtheapartmentsat18BentStreet.

(c) The alignment of the Moonee Ponds Creek and the potential to enhance itsfunctionasanopenspacecorridoraspartoftheArdenMacaulayredevelopment.

(d)ThereservationoftheproposedWestLinkalignment.17.ThismayrequireaneworsupplementaryComprehensiveImpactStatement,butitcould

be undertaken as part of the WestLink and the CityLink/Tullamarine Freeway upgrade

planningprocesses.

18.All such reviews for the southbound connection of the East West Link to CityLink andPartBshouldbe undertaken inconjunctionwith the CitiesofMelbourne andMoonee

Valley,andotherrelevantagencies, including theEPA,PortofMelbourneCorporation,

VicTrack,VicRoads,theOfficeofHousingandothers,aswellaslandholdersandaffected

communityorganisations.

19.Subjecttothesefindings,theCommitteesupportsPartAoftheEastWestLink(EasternSection) Project providing an important road link from the Eastern Freeway to

CityLink/Tullamarine Freeway northbound, in accordance with its recommended and

modifiedApplicableApprovals,theIncorporatedDocument,PerformanceRequirements

andrevisedPlanningSchemeAmendmentGC2.

20.WhiletheCommittee iscriticalofaspectsoftheComprehensive ImpactStatementandthepositionoftheLMA, itrecognisesthatallparties involved inthisprocess, including


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Pageiv

the LMA and its consultants retained to prepare the background studies, have been

working under challenging timeframes to undertake investigations and produce

documentationfortheProject.

21.The

reliance

on

the

Reference

Project

as

the

key

expression

of

how

the

Project

might

be

deliveredhascreatedangstandconfusioninthecommunity. Inessence,theReference

Project,whilenotarealproject,hasbeenconsideredandassessedassuch,and ithas

failedtodeliveranappropriateoutcome.

22.TheCommitteeconsidersthattheprocessofreachingthedesignthat istheReferenceProject has not been one that follows a logical path of identifying viable options,

evaluating them, engaging the community in the process at an early stage when such

inputcanbeincorporated,testingthepreferredoptionagainstrobustcriteria,adjusting

itandthenproposingitwithsupportingjustification.

23.TheCommitteeisconcernedthattheReferenceProjecthasprecededtheUrbanDesignFramework

and

the

Urban

Design

Principles,

and

that

it

is

not

an

evident

response

to

them. WhiletheUrbanDesignPrinciplesincludemanyunquantifiablestatements,they

collectivelyrepresentasetofobjectivesagainstwhichanydesignfortheProjectshould

beassessed. TheReferenceProjectfailstomeettheseobjectivesonmany levels. The

CommitteedoesnotconsidertheReferenceProjectshouldbeusedasthetemplatefor

thefinaldesignoftheProject. TheUrbanDesignPrinciples,inparticulars1.1,aspiretoa

level of design excellence that require this Project to be more than an acceptable

outcome. The cost and disruption to the community through which it is to be

constructedwarrantbestpractice.

24.Further,

the

Committee

is

concerned

about

the

intended

reliance

on

the

successful

contractortodelivertheProjectandtobeaccountable formanagingallaspectsofthe

design,planning,environmentalandconstructionframework.

25.TheCommitteeisrequiredbysection73oftheMajorTransportProjectsFacilitationAct2009tomakerecommendationstotheMinisterforPlanningtograntall,orsomeofthe

applicableapprovalsthat itisnecessaryforthedeclaredProjectorpartofthedeclared

Project; or refuse to grant all of the applicable approvals that are necessary for the

declaredProjectorapartofthedeclaredProject.

26.Section69oftheMajorTransportProjectsFacilitationAct2009enablestheCommitteein exceptional circumstances to recommend to the Minister for Planning that the

Ministerdirects

the

Project

Proponent

to

undertake

asupplementary

assessment.

The

CommitteehasconcludedthatsomeelementsofPartArequirechange,andthatPartB

of theProject isunresolvedandshouldbesetasideat thisstage. TheCommitteehas

considered whether it should make a recommendation pursuant to section 69. It has

however, concluded that the circumstances and announcements made subsequent to

thecloseoftheHearingaffectingPartBtakemattersbeyondthescopeofthecriteriaset

out in section 69(1) that would warrant the recommendation for a supplementary

assessment.

27.Section 73(3) of theMajor TransportProjectFacilitationAct 2009 provides that if theCommittee

were

to

recommend

the

grant

of

all

or

some

of

the

applicable

approvals

required, it must specify, inter alia, the conditions applicable to such approval.


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Pagev

Accordingly,theCommitteerecommendsthatamodifiedPartAbeapprovedsubjectto

conditionsspecifiedinthisReport.

28.Whilst the Committee has recommended that Part B be set aside at this stage, in theevent

that

this

recommendation

is

not

accepted,

the

Committee

has

outlined

conditions

thatshouldbeadoptedintakingPartBforward.

RECOMMENDATIONS

For the reasons outlined in this report, the Committee makes the following

recommendations,groupedasfollows:

PrimaryRecommendations,numbered1to4. IssueSpecificRecommendations,numbered5to36. FurtherrecommendationsifthePrimaryRecommendationsarenotsupported

andPartBproceeds,numbered37to43.

PrimaryRecommendations

1. Issue theApplicableApprovals forPartA, subject toPrimaryRecommendations2

and3,andIssueSpecificRecommendations5to36for:

a) WorksApproval for the tunnelventilation systemunder theprovisionsof

section19BoftheEnvironmentProtectionAct1970.b) Planning SchemeAmendmentGC2,under theprovisionsof sections8,29

and35ofthePlanningandEnvironmentAct1987.c) Permit under section 74 of the HeritageAct 1995 to carry outworks or

activitiesinrelationtofiveregisteredheritageplaces.

d) Consent under section 129 of the Heritage Act 1995 for impact onarchaeologicalrelics.

e) ConsentunderClause1of schedule2of theRoadManagementAct2004allowingconnectiontoafreeway.

f) Licenceundersection67oftheWaterAct1989requiredtoconstruct,alter,operateordecommissionworksonawaterway,includingworkstodeviate

awaterway.

Note: AstheCommitteehasrecommendedthatPartBoftheProjectbesetaside,acomment from the Secretary of Department of Environment and PrimaryIndustriesundersection66oftheConservation,Forests,andLandsAct1987forworks across and under the Moonee Ponds Creek is not required, unlessPrimaryRecommendation4isnotaccepted.

2. AdoptPlanningSchemeAmendmentGC2asitrelatestoapprovalofPartA,subject

to:

a) AdoptingtherevisedIncorporatedDocumentasshowninAppendixD.

b) Applying the Performance Requirements to the Project as shown in

AppendixE.

c) Including the Performance Requirements as shown in Appendix E in the

Incorporated Document East West Link Project Incorporated DocumentSeptember2013.

d) Applyingthe

Urban

Design

Principles

to

the

Project

as

shown

in

Appendix

F.


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Pagevi

e) Including the Urban Design Principles as shown in Appendix F in the

Incorporated Document East West Link Project Incorporated DocumentSeptember2013.

f) Deleting the exhibited Design and Development Overlays until the final

designis

adopted.

3. PartAoftheEastWestLink(EasternSection)fromtheEasternFreewaytoCityLink,

primarilyintunnel,besubjecttothefollowingchanges:

a) Locating the eastern portal and ventilation stacks to the east of Hoddle

StreetandtheHurstbridge/SouthMorangRailwayLine.

b) DeletingtheproposedflyoverasshownintheReferenceProject.

c) Extending thebored tunnelconstructionat leastas fareastasWellington

Street.

d) RemovingtheproposedtemporarysidetracknorthofAlexandraParade.

e) DeletingtheconnectionbetweentheProjectandElliottAvenue,dueto its

visualintrusionintothispartofRoyalParkanditsimpactonthelandscape

values of the Park, in favour of othermeans of achieving the proposed

trafficmovements.

f) MinimisetheextentofcutandcoverconstructioninAlexandraParadeand

RoyalPark.

g) Removing the southbound connections to and from CityLink/Tullamarine

FreewayandPartBoftheProjectidentifiedintheCISmapbookaselevated

structuresoverRoss Straw Field [FootscrayRd to EWL (StageOne) andEWL(StageOne)toFootscrayRd)].

h) Further investigatingand resolving the locationof thewesternportaland

ventilationstacks

in

an

area

adjacent

to

Oak

Street

north

of

the

ManninghamStreetintersection.

i) ImplementingtheIssueSpecificRecommendations5to36.

4. SetasidePartBandthesouthboundconnectionoftheProject,anddonotissuethe

relevantApplicableApprovals,until the recentlyannouncedworksonCityLinkand

theTullamarineFreeway,andWestLinkareclarified. TheCommitteerecommends

the review of a number of aspects of Part B be undertaken as part of a new or

revisedComprehensive ImpactStatement inconjunctionwiththeplanningprocess

for WestLink (and other road improvements). If this recommendation is not

supported,

the

Committee

recommends

that

the

alignment

and

proposed

viaduct

for

PartBneedstobereviewedtoconsiderplacingitintunneloraligningitontheeast

sideoftheexistingCityLink.

IssueSpecificRecommendations

TrafficandTransport

5. LocatetheportalsandventilationstackseastoftheHurstbridge/SouthMorangrail

bridge, (whetherornottheroaddesign intheareaeastoftheReferenceProject's

portalschanges),withopenings for rampsas required. Investigate thecapacity to

coverroadswhicharebelownaturalgroundlevelasfareastastherelocatedportals

asameans

of

creating

useable

passive

public

open

space

and

to

improve

north

southpedestrianandcyclelinksinthisarea.


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Pagevii

6. Prohibitroadconstructionatgradebeyondthenorthernroadreservationboundary

onAlexandraParadebetween Smith StreetandGold Street,anddelete thatarea

from theProposedProjectBoundary. Sequence the constructionprocessand the

managementof trafficonAlexandraParadeduringconstruction so thatallground

levelactivity

occurs

within

the

Alexandra

Parade

road

reserve,

thereby

negating

the

needforthesidetrackandtheproposedpropertyacquisitionforit.

7. Ensure the tunnelalignmentdoesnot requirepropertyacquisition to thenorthof

theAlexandraParadenorthernroadreservationboundary.

8. ConstructtheconnectionservingthenorthboundHoddleStreetmovementeastonto

theEasternFreewayatareducedlevelnohigherthantheexistingpavementlevelof

HoddleStreet. Designtoensuretherearenoabovegroundstructures(apartfrom

necessary overhead signs, lighting and sound barriers) at the Eastern

Freeway/HoddleStreetinterchange,andresolvethetrafficmovementservedbythe

flyoverin

aless

visually

intrusive

manner

that

requires

no

acquisition

of

residential

property.

9. Reduce the carriageway cross section of Alexandra Parade and Princes Street to

constraintrafficmovementtoimprovenorthsouthconnectionsandincrease'green

time'atsignalisedintersectionsfortrams,vehicles,bicyclesandpedestrians.

10. Revise the ramp connections between thewestern portal and CityLink North as

shownon theReferenceProject,and investigatealternativealignments further to

thenortheast.

11. Review the design of the Ormond Road exit ramp and consider the merits and

functionalityof

the

alternative

proposed

in

the

evidence

of

Mr

OBrien.

12. Identify areas for traffic monitoring in selected local streets in the Moreland,

MooneeValley,Yarra,Melbourne,Darebin,BanyuleandBoroondaraCouncilareas,

now and at two year intervals during construction and up to two years after

completionoftheProject,andfundreasonablelocalareatrafficmanagementworks

that need to be implemented to reduce identified adverse traffic impacts

attributabletotheProject.

LandUseandInfrastructure

13. Facilitateaprocessthatenablestheopportunityforvoluntarypurchaseagreements

withproperty

owners

that

have

an

interface

with,

or

are

impacted

by

the

Project

thatarelocatedoutsidetheProposedProjectBoundary.

14. Negotiateandsignamemorandumofunderstandingasaconditionofapprovalfor

sportingfacilityandrelocationworks(similarinstyleandscopetothatenteredinto

between the CityofMelbourne and the LMA),between the LMA and theCityof

MooneeValley, informedby the interventionandmitigationmeasuresoutlined in

Document515.

VisualImpacts,UrbanDesignandLandscape

15. Undertakeand implementanurbandesign study for theProjectcorridorbetween

LygonStreet

and

the

portals

east

of

the

Hurstbridge/South

Morang

railway

line,

aimed at enhancing reduced through traffic volumes and providing improved


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Pageviii

amenityforabuttinglanduses,pedestriansandbicyclemovements,andmaximising

openspaceandlandscapingwithintheseparameters.

16. AssessandevaluatethefinaldesignfortheProjectagainsttheUrbanDesignCharter

for

Victoria

and

the

Urban

Design

Principles

in

Appendix

F.

17. Appoint an independent design assessor or assessment Panel to ensure that all

stagesofdesign,documentation,tenderingandconstructionincorporatetheUrban

DesignCharterforVictoriaandtheUrbanDesignPrinciples.

18. EnsurethatfollowingthecompletionoftheProject,thereisnonetlossofpassiveor

activepublicopenspace.

19. Avoidanytemporaryorpermanentconstructionrelatedactivityorlaydownareasin

thefollowingpartsofRoyalPark:

a) AustralianNativeGarden.

b) Trin

Warren

Tam

boore

Wetlands

and

Whites

Skink

habitat

(north

of

a

line

that runsdueeastwest through theRossStrawFieldSportsPavilion from

theUpfieldRailwayLinetoOakStreet).

c) RemnantGrassyWoodlandEcologicalVegetationClass.

NoiseandVibration

20. Regard thenorthsouthcorridoratthewesternendof theProjectasasingle road

transport corridor. Where increased total noise is attributed to the Project, the

ConcessionHolderfortheEastWestLink(EasternSection)isresponsibleformeeting

trafficnoisecriteriainthecorridor.

21. Applynoise

prediction,

assessment,

monitoring

and

management

for

the

Project

as

shownintherevisedPerformanceRequirementsinAppendixE,including:

a) Asingledaytimetrafficnoisecriterion.

b) Anighttimetrafficnoisecriterion.

c) Openspacecriterion.

d) InternalnoisemitigationwherenecessaryinaccordancewiththeAustralian

standard.

AirEmissionsandAirQuality

22. Undertake a detailed air modelling assessment to guide the final design of the

tunnel,tunnelventilationsystemandsurfaceroadsincludingelevatedviaductsusing

PM2.5andPM10asthekeyindicatorsfortheassessment.

23. ManagetheProjectairemissionsinaccordancewiththePerformanceRequirements

inAppendixE,including:

a) Make provision for retrofitting pollution control equipment in ventilation

stacksforPM10andPM2.5.

b) Fitairpollutioncontrolequipmentintothetunnelventilationsystemsifthe

modelling forthe finaldesignshowsthattheparticulate levelsaregreater

than30%oftheapplicableairqualitystandards.

c) Adopt the CarbonMonoxide objectives used for intunnel air quality for

CityLinkand

EastLink.

d) Includeamidtunnelairintakestructureinthefinaldesignofthetunnel.


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Pageix

24. Consider design elements for the final design tominimise air pollution levels in

sensitiveareastominimisetheimpactonpublichealth.

25. IssuetheWorksApprovalforthetunnelventilationsystemconditionalon:

a. Conductingfurther

detailed

air

modelling

assessment

on

the

final

design

whichincludesmovingtheventilationstackseastofHoddleStreetandthe

Hurstbridge/SouthMorang railway line and the ventilation stackwest of

OakStreet.

b. Includingamidtunnelairintakeinthefinaldesign.

c. Adopting the Carbon Monoxide intunnel air quality standards used in

CityLinkandEastLinkfortheProject.

d. Makingprovisiontoretrofitpollutioncontrolequipment intheventilation

stacksforPM10andPM2.5.

e. Requiring pollution control equipment if PM10 orPM2.5 levels are greater

than30%oftheapplicableairqualitystandard.

f. Undertakinganairmonitoringprogram inCliftonHilland inthevicinityof

theventilationstacksforaperiodof12monthspriortothetunnelopening

and12monthspostopening. Repeatthemonitoring5yearspostopening

ofthetunnel.

CulturalHeritage

26. Retain the cultural heritage of the Gold Street Precinct (HO321) and Clifton Hill

Western

Precinct

(HO317)

by

avoiding

property

acquisition

and

demolition

in

these

precincts. If this recommendation is not accepted, extend the Proposed Project

BoundarytoincludeallpropertiesonthewestsideofBendigoStreetandthesouth

sideofHothamStreeteastofBendigoStreet,andremovethesepropertiesfromthe

HeritageOverlay.

27. Prohibitabovegroundstructures(apartfromnecessaryoverheadsigns,lightingand

soundbarriers)at the EasternFreeway/HoddleStreet interchange topreserve the

visualintegrityoftheShotTower.

28. Undertakefurtherworktoensurethatifthereistobeanypermanentintervention

ofEastWestLink inRoyalParkthatmayimpacttheculturalheritageofthePark,a

comprehensivestudy

be

carried

out

to

identify

the

specific

impacts

and

to

determine

appropriateameliorativemeasuresandthatthedesignoftheProjectismodifiedto

minimisesuchimpacts.

SurfaceandGroundwater

29. ProvideacopyofthefinalreportofDrSandyBennet,(preparedfortheAssessment

Committee and as attached inAppendixG), to the shortlisted tenderers for their

consideration.

30. Issue consentunderSection67of theWaterAct1989 forworksonwaterways inMerriCreekandMooneePondsCreek.


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Pagex

NativeVegetationandBiodiversity

31. ApprovePlanningSchemeAmendmentGC2 toallow removalofnativevegetation

undersections8,29and35ofthePlanningandEnvironmentAct1987,subjecttotheadoption

of

the

recommendations

of

the

Committee,

including

the

Performance

Requirements.

SolidWasteandContamination

32. Undertake assessment andmanagementof contaminatedmaterials in accordance

withthePerformanceRequirementsinAppendixE,including:

a) Detailed site investigations prior to the excavation of any potentially

contaminatedsoil.

b) Environmentalmonitoringandcommunityengagementplans.

c) Managingairpollutantswhere thesemaybe released inaccordancewith

the requirements of the State Environment Protection Policy (AirQuality

Management).

d) Prohibitionofthestorageofcontaminatedspoilinsensitivelocations.

33. Store clean spoil at the Manningham Parklands/Ross Straw Field or the former

Fitzroy Gasworks site, in accordance with the implementation of strict dust

managementpractices,andnotwithin25metresoftheWhitesSkinkhabitatorTrin

WarrenTamboorewetlands.

34. AdoptHaulageRoute3 (as identified in theTransport ImpactAssessment) for the

transportation of construction material and solid waste to avoid sensitive uses,

residentialareasandminimiseimpactsonlocalcommunities.

SocialandBusinessImpacts

35. Negotiate with Urban Camp to resolve a fair and satisfactory relocation and/or

temporaryclosurestrategyandassociatedcompensationpackage.

EnvironmentalManagementFramework

36. AmendtheEnvironmentalManagementFrameworktoincludethefollowing:

a) Establishment of a Community Liaison Committee with an Independent

Chair.

b) Provide a mechanism for public reporting of compliance against the

EnvironmentalManagement Framework and EnvironmentalManagement

Plans (this may be the Independent Auditors report which becomes

availableontheLinkingMelbourneAuthoritieswebsiteforinstance).

c) Provideamechanismforcomplaintsmanagementthatistransparenttothe

publicandwherefollowupactionisreported.

d) Dust,noise,surfacewater,andgroundwatermanagementplansaswellas

furthersitespecificdatatobecollectedongroundwaterquality,levelsand

flow tobetter inform the risk assessment anddevelopmentofmitigation

measuresaspartoftheEnvironmentalManagementPlans.


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Pagexi

RecommendationsrelatingtoPartBoftheProject

If the Primary Recommendations of the Committee are not accepted and Part B is

approved,thefollowingadditionalrecommendationsapply:

37. Undertakeamaster

planning

process

in

consultation

with

the

relevant

stakeholders

toidentifyappropriatelocationsproximatetoresidentsoftheDebneysParkEstate

torelocatethefollowingcommunityfacilities:

a) FlemingtonCommunityCentre.

b) DebneysParkPlayground.

c) FlemingtonCommunityGarden.

Implementation of the master plan and works should be at no cost to the

community, stakeholdersor toMooneeValleyCityCouncil. Avoidwherepossible

the location of playgrounds which young children frequent, or formal active

recreationareasunderelevatedviaducts.

38. Negotiate a fair and comprehensive relocation and compensation package that

reflectstheneedtorelocatetheVisionAustraliadogbreedingandtrainingfacilityto

an alternative fit for purpose site and facility, aswell as funding tomake good

associatedimpactsonotherrelatedandnearbyfacilities.

39. UndertakeadetailedairmodellingassessmentforPartBoftheProjecttoguidethe

finaldesign.

40. WithregardtotheWestMelbourneTerminalStationsite:

a) Provide confirmation to SP AusNet that the Project construction zone

between

the

roadway

and

the

West

Melbourne

Terminal

Station

site

will

remain in the ownership of SP AusNet and that the Linking Melbourne

Authoritywillensureaccesstoallowatemporarytransformertobelocated

onthatlandfortheperiodoftheWestMelbourneTerminalStationupgrade

works.

b) Formalise the finalProposedProjectBoundary (i.e.noencroachment ina

westerlydirection into theWestMelbourneTerminalStation footprint) to

enable the redesign of the West Melbourne Terminal Station

redevelopmenttocontinueassoonaspossible.

c) Secureadditional land interestsforSPAusNetwithVicTracktoenable land

for construction access and permanent use, as well as to agree new

easementcorridorsfortransmissionlinesenteringthesite. Suchlandmust

befitforbothconstructionandpermanentuse(includingaccessandegress

whereapplicable.

d) Ensure the creation of easements on the acquired land to protect SP

AusNet's assets and specifically to create new easements to provide for

underground and overground corridors as relevant for electricity and gas

supply.

e) Identifyand secureanew site for the relocationof theFishermansBend

TransmissionTower.

f) EnsurethatthedesignandconstructionoftheProjectminimisesimpactson

SPAusNet's

assets

and

such

assets

are

not

adversely

affected

by

dust,

vibration,waterorsoilcontaminants.


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Pagexii

g) Ensuretheconstructionworksavoidtheexistinggasandelectricityassets,

orrelocatetheseassetswithoutinterruptiontosupply.

41. RemovetheproposedaccessrampstoandfromArdenStreet.

42. Facilitateaprocess

that

enables

the

opportunity

for

voluntary

purchase

agreements

withpropertyownersthathaveaninterfacewith,orareimpactedby,theelevated

road structures and viaducts in Parkville West, Flemington, Travancore, and

KensingtonoutsideoftheProposedProjectBoundary.

43. Identify and implement, in consultation with the Flemington Neighbourhood

RenewalBoardandtheOfficeofHousing,noiseandairqualitymitigationmeasures

fortheFlemingtonHousingEstateresidentswhofaceeastontotheproposedLink.


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Page1of389

PartA:Background


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Page2of389


29/145


Page3of389

1 Introduction

1.1 TheAssessmentCommittee

The

Minister

for

Planning

appointed

an

Assessment

Committee

(the

Committee)

on

21

October2013toundertakeanindependentreviewoftheproposedEastWestLink(Eastern

Section) Project (the Project). The Committee was appointed under the provisions of

sections 35 and 235 of theMajor Transport Projects FacilitationAct 2009 (MTPF Act) to

assess the East West Link (EWL) Comprehensive Impact Statement (CIS) and to make

recommendations to theMinister for Planning inaccordancewith section73 of theMTPF

Act. On the same date, the Minister for Planning signed Terms of Reference for the

Committee(AppendixA)toprovidethecontextforitsassessment.

TheproponentfortheProjectistheLinkingMelbourneAuthority(LMA).

TheCommittee

comprises:

MsKathrynMitchell,Chair; MrNickWimbush,DeputyChair; MrWilliamONeil; DrLynDenison; MrDesGrogan;and MrJimHoldsworth.

Paragraph8ofPart2oftheTermsofReferencenotestheCommitteemayseekwrittenor

verbaladvicefromexpertsorspecialists. Inthisregard,theCommitteeretainedtheservices

of:

DrSandyBennet(tunnelling,geomechanicsandhydrogeology); MrDougMunro(acousticsandvibration);and MsMandyElliott(environmentalmanagementframework).

Paragraph9ofPart2oftheTermsofReferencenotethattheCommitteemayretainitsown

legalcounselandinthisregard,theCommitteeretainedtheservicesofMrChrisWrenSC.

TheCommitteewasassistedbytheofficeofPlanningPanelsVictoriaandspecifically:

MsEmmaMoysey,SpecialProjectsManager; MsJessicaCutting,SeniorProjectManager; MrHarryMatheas,AssistantDirector; MrAdrianWilliams,BusinessManager;and MrDavidNewton,HearingRoomAssistant.

Additionally, the office of Planning Panels Victoria through its whole administration team

providedassistancetotheCommitteethroughoutthedurationoftheProject.

1.2 TermsofReferenceandRoleoftheCommittee

The MTPF Act Authorised Version No020 (incorporating amendments as at25 September

2013)istheguidingActforthisprocess.

TheroleoftheCommittee issetout in theMTPFActandthrough itsTermsofReference.

Subdivision2of

Division

5of

Part

3of

the

Act

sets

out

the

procedures

for

the

establishment


30/145


Page4of389

ofanAssessmentCommittee(s35),theopportunitytoprovideTermsofReferenceandthe

publicationofTermsofReference(s36ands37).

The Terms of Referencenote that the Committeewas appointed to assess theCIS for the

Project

and

to

make

recommendations

to

the

Minister

for

Planning

whether

or

not

to

grant

any applicable approval required for the Project to be developed, and if so recommend

appropriate conditions for applicable approvals. In this case, the applicable approvals

include:

Worksapprovalunders19BoftheEnvironmentProtectionAct1970(theEPAct); PlanningSchemeAmendment approval unders8, s29,ands35of thePlanningand

EnvironmentAct1987the(P&EAct);

Permitunders74oftheHeritageAct1995tocarryoutworksoractivitiesinrelationtoaregisteredplaceorregisteredobject;

Consentunders129oftheHeritageAct1995forimpactonarchaeologicalrelics;

Consent

under

Clause

1

of

schedule

2

of

the

Road

Management

Act

2004

allowing

connectiontoafreeway;

Licence under s67 of theWaterAct 1989 required to construct, alter, operate ordecommissionworksonawaterway,includingworkstodeviateawaterway;

CommentsfromtheSecretarypursuanttos66oftheConservation,ForestsandLandsAct1987onplanofworksacrosswaterways.

Essentially,theroleoftheCommitteeistoassesstheexhibitedCIS,reviewthesubmissions

made to it, conduct a public hearing and provide a written report to the Minister for

Planningthatsetsoutitsfindingandrecommendations.

Inconductingapublichearing,theTermsofReferencesetoutthePublicHearingMatters

theCommitteeistoaddressasfollows:

Whether the impacts of the project on the traffic performance of roadsconnecting totheproject,andthesurroundingroadnetwork,aswellason

connectivity for public transport, cycling and pedestrians have been

appropriatelyaddressed.

Whether the impacts of theproject on land use and infrastructure in itsimmediate environs, including on housing, recreation and community

infrastructurehavebeenappropriatelyaddressed. WhethertheproposedUrbanDesignFrameworkintheCISwillappropriately

manage visual impacts of theproject on the surrounding area, including

publicopenspaces. Whether the noise, vibration, air emission and light spill impacts of theprojectwillbeappropriatelymanagedbyproposedmeasures.

Whether the impacts of theproject on cultural heritageplaces have beenappropriatelyaddressed.

Whethertheimpactsoftheprojectonsurfaceandgroundwaterwatershavebeenappropriatelyaddressed.

Whether the impacts of theproject on native vegetation and biodiversityhavebeenappropriatelyaddressed.


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Page5of389

Whether the riskfromdisturbanceanddisposalof solidwasteshavebeenappropriatelyaddressed.

WhethertheEnvironmentalManagementFramework intheCISwillprovideaneffectiveintegratedapproachtomanagetheenvironmentalperformance

ofthe

project.

Therewasnospecificpublichearingmatterthatrelatedtosocialimpactorbusinessimpact

matters (although thesecouldbeconsideredunder impacton landuse, includinghousing,

recreation and community infrastructure), however the Committee heard extensive

submissionsandevidenceabouttheseissues,includingfromtheLMA.

The functions of the Committee are prescribed by timeframes as set out in the Act. The

publichearingsweretotakeno longerthan30businessdays,andtheCommitteesreport

mustbesubmittedtotheMinisterforPlanningwithin30businessdaysofthelastdayofthe

hearing.

1.3 Approachto

this

Report

TheCommitteehasapproacheditsconsiderationofissuesandthepreparationofthisreport

inthefollowingway.

PartAprovides theBackground,which includes the introductorymatters,adescription of

theProject,therelevant legislationandpolicyframeworks,theexhibitionprocess,andthe

publichearingprocess.

Part B provides theAssessment, which takeseach of the public hearing matters from the

Terms of Reference, and then assesses these to determine whether they have been

appropriately

addressed.

These

matters

include

traffic

and

transport;

land

use

and

infrastructure; visual impacts and urban design; noise and vibration; air emissions and air

quality;culturalheritage;surfaceandgroundwater;nativevegetationandbiodiversity;solid

wasteandcontamination;socialandbusinessimpacts.

Part C deals with Implementation, with commentary on the Environmental Management

Framework (the EMF), Performance Requirements, and the Planning Scheme Amendment

GC2.

PartDprovidestheConclusionsandRecommendationsoftheCommitteeand includes its

summaryresponsetotheTermsofReference,andtheApplicableLawApprovals.

The

Committee

references

the

evidence

of

various

experts,

the

submissions

made

byadvocates, and the presentations and submissions of community groups, businesses,

sportingorganisationsandindividuals. Whilesomeofthesearespecificallynamed,itisnot

possible to includeorreference allas part of theCommitteesassessment. This doesnot

mean thesubmissionswerenotconsidered,rathertheCommitteehas focusedonthekey

issues,ratherthanwhosaidwhat. Additionally,somesubmissionsweremadeinconfidence

andthesehavebeenreferencedbySubmissionnumberonly,whereapplicable.


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Page6of389

1.4 MattersnotConsideredinDetail

For various reasons, there are seven matters that the Committee has not considered in

detail,theseinclude:

CulturalHeritageManagementPlan; EnvironmentProtectionandBiodiversityConservationAct1999; VictoriaHeritageRegister; BusinesscasefortheProject; MelbourneZoo; Publictransportprojects;and FurtherannouncementspostHearing.

1.4.1 CulturalHeritageManagementPlan

The Committee is not required to consider theAboriginalHeritageAct 2006, as while a

CulturalHeritage

Management

Plan

(CHMP)

is

being

prepared

for

the

Project,

it

is

separate

tothisprocess.

Post the Hearing, the Chair was provided with a copy of a letter from the Chief Executive

OfficeroftheLMAtotheMinisterforPlanning,thatadvised:

EASTWESTLINKEASTERNSECTIONNOTIFICATIONAPPROVALCULTURALHERITAGEMANAGEMENTPLAN(CHMP12723)Iwish to advise that in accordancewith section 75(a) of theMajor Transport

Projects

Facilitation

Act

2009

that

the

Cultural

Heritage

Management

Plan

for

the East West Link Eastern Section has been approved by the Registered

AboriginalParty, theWurundjeri Tribe Land&CompensationCulturalHeritage

CouncilandtheOfficeofAboriginalAffairsonthe15April2014.

TheCommitteemakesnofurthercommentonthis.

1.4.2 EnvironmentProtectionandBiodiversityConservationAct1999TheCommitteedoesnotneedtoconsiderCommonwealthapprovalsundertheEnvironment

ProtectionandBiodiversityConservationAct1999(EPBCAct),astheformerCommonwealth

DepartmentofSustainability,Environment,Water,PopulationandCommunitiesdetermined

on

24

April

2013

that

the

Project

is

not

a

controlled

action

requiring

assessment

andapprovalundertheEPBCAct.

Some submissions suggested that there were errors in the referral. The Committee has

addressed these briefly but considers if there are errors, then this is a matter for the

Commonwealthtoaddress.

1.4.3 VictorianHeritageRegister

The Committee advised at the Preliminary Hearing that it was aware that Royal Park had

beennominatedforinclusionintheVictorianHeritageRegisterinlate2103. TheExecutive

Director,HeritageVictoriaassessedthenominationandmadearecommendationthatthe

Parkbe

included

in

the

Victorian

Heritage

Register.

The

recommendation

was

advertised


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Page7of389

andthepublicwereprovidedwith60daystocomment,whichtheCommitteeunderstood

tobeonorabout21April2014.

The recommendation of Royal Park for inclusion on the Victorian Heritage Register is a

separate

matter

to

these

proceedings

and

it

requires

a

separate

process

under

the

Heritage

Act. The Committee advised parties that the nomination did not form part of the public

hearings,norcouldtheCommitteetakesubmissionsaboutit.

Since that time, the Committee is aware that some 153 submissions were received by

HeritageVictoriaaboutthenomination.

1.4.4 BusinessCasefortheProject

One of the matters raised by numerous submitters related to the business case for the

Project. The Committee was not provided with the business case, and in response to a

questiontotheLMAaboutthisatthehearing,MrMorrisfortheLMAadvisedthathetoo

had

not

been

provided

with

the

business

case

for

the

Project.

TheCommitteewasprovidedwiththeExecutiveSummaryoftheShortFormBusinessCase

(Document148)thatwaspreparedasinformationforInfrastructureAustraliainJune2013.

ThisdocumentessentiallysetsoutthehighlevelbackgroundanddriversfortheProject,as

well as the high level perceived benefits. It shows a benefit cost ratio of 1.4 at a real

discount rate of 7% (the rate used for other projects including the Regional Rail Link, the

MelbourneMetropolitanrailprojectandtheWestGateBridgeStrengthening). Itnotesthat

the core result showsa benefit cost ratioof1.4 includingwider economic benefitsfor a

majorprojectofthisnaturetargetingeconomicgrowth.

Mr Morris advised that in response to questions raised by the Committee and other

submittersthat

it

was

important

to

have

some

idea

of

the

costs

associated

with

the

Project.

Inthisregard,heverballyprovidedballparkratios,whichhethoughtmightbeuseful. He

expressedtheseas:

Oneunitforonekilometreofnormalroad; Threetofiveunitsforakilometreofelevatedorviaductroad; Threetofiveunitsforakilometresofcutandcover;and Tentofifteenunitsforakilometreoftunnel.

Mr Morris advised that thesecomparisons dependedupon a rangeofvarious andspecific

circumstances. For example, tunnelling costs are determined by geological and

hydrogeologicalconditions,

amongst

others.

In

noting

this,

Mr

Morris

reiterated

that

the

TransportIntegrationAct2010(TIAct)exhortsvalueformoney.

In his closing submissions (Document 525), Mr Morris expanded upon his reasoning and

reiteratedthattheCommitteeneednotconcernitselfwithanybusinesscasefortheProject.

Hesaid:

Whereasacostbenefitanalysismaylegitimatelyformpartoftheformertypeof

assessment, there is nothing in theAct or in any applicable law criteria that

requiresacostbenefitanalysistobeundertakenaspartoftheassessmentofa

declaredproject. Indeed,forreasonsdiscussedfurtherbelow,itisnotatoolthat

is

particularly

well

suited

to

the

type

of

qualitative

assessment

that

the

Committeeisrequiredtoundertake.


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Mr Morris further advised that even in the context ofGovernment decisionmaking, the

suitability of usinga costbenefit analysiswilldepend upon thenature of theassessment

beingmade,andthenatureoftheprojectanditsimpacts.

The

Committee

has

not

been

able

to

take

this

any

further,

nor

comment

on

the

adequacy

of

the benefit cost ratio put forward, as it was not provided with the business case for the

Projectnoranyeconomicassessmentrelatedtothis.

Consequently, the Committee is limited in its understanding of the localised and wider

economicbenefitsoftheProject. Itisforthesereasons,thatthefollowingassessmentand

the findings and recommendations of the Committee are not based on economic

imperatives.

1.4.5 MelbourneZoo

A number of submissions expressed concern about the impact of the Project on the

Melbourne

Zoo,

which

is

located

in

Royal

Park.

Ms

Stock

in

particular

was

passionate

about

whatshesawasmajordetrimentalimpactsontheZoo. Othersubmittersexpressedsimilar

views. TheCommitteedidnotreceiveasubmissionfromtheZooorDEPI,oranyevidence

about any impact of the Project on the animals. Other than commenting on potential

vibration and noise effects on the Zoo, the Committee is not able to take this issue any

further. It isnotedthatthePerformanceRequirementsfortheProjectprovideforongoing

consultationwiththeZoo (andotherstakeholders)and includeactionsandresponsibilities

aimedatminimisingimpactsaswellasimpactmitigationasnecessary.

1.4.6 PublicTransportProjects

Numerous submissions commented that the Project should not be contemplated or built

dueto

the

need

to

build

infrastructure

such

as

the

Doncaster

heavy

or

light

rail

connection,

MetropolitanRailandthelike. ItisnottheroleoftheCommitteetoconsidertheseprojects,

itdoesnotdiscusstherangeofpotentialprojects,itisoutsideofitsTermsofReferenceand

itmakesnofindingsorrecommendationsonthese.

1.4.7 FurtherAnnouncementspostHearing

There have been a number of significant announcements made by Government since the

Hearingconcludedthathaveadirect impactontheProject,especially inrelationtoPartB

andthecapacitytoachieveasoutherlyconnectiontoCityLinkwithinPartA. Mostofthese

are as a result of both State and Federal Budget commitments, as well as ongoing

commitmentsby

the

State

Government

for

road

improvements.

These

include:

A commitment to widen CityLink and the Tullamarine Freeway, which as theCommitteeunderstands,wasbrieflyreferredtoasProjectZebraduringthecourse

oftheHearings.

A commitment to build Stage Two of the East West Link that is from the WesternRingRoadtothePortofMelbourne. ThisprojectisknownasWestLink.


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2 TheProject

TheProjectiscomprisedoftwomainparts,referredtointheCISasPartsAandB,withPart

A

able

to

be

built

independently

of

Part

B.

To

illustrate

how

the

Project

may

be

developed,

it issupportedbyaReferenceProject. PartsAandBandthemainelementsoftheProject

associatedwitheach,areillustratedinFigure1anddescribedfurther.

Figure1: EastWestLinkEasternSectionReferenceProjectMainComponents

Source:CISSummaryReport

2.1.1 PartALinkingtheEasternFreewaytoCityLink

Thissection isproposedtoextend fromthewesternendoftheEasternFreeway inClifton

HilltojoinwithCityLinkinParkville. ThemainelementsoftheProjectinclude:

Twin tunnels approximately 4.4 kilometres in length between the Eastern FreewayandCityLink;

An interchange at Elliott Avenue, with easterly oriented ramps allowing accessto/fromElliottAvenue;

Additionaltraffic lanesalongtheEasternFreewaybetweenHoddleStreetandYarraBendRoad;

AreconfiguredinterchangeatHoddleStreettotheEasternFreeway; A freeway to freeway interchange with elevated structures connecting the tunnel

portals in Manningham Parklands to CityLink in both northerly and southerly

directions;

AdditionaltrafficlanesontheTullamarineFreewaysectionofCityLink;and


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An off ramp to Ormond Road and associated upgrades to the intersection ofFlemingtonRoadandElliottAvenue.

2.1.2 PartBLinkingCityLinktothePort

Thissection

is

proposed

to

extend

southbound

from

Part

A

to

the

Port

precinct.

The

main

elementsofPartBinclude:

A three kilometre viaduct parallel to CityLink (located on the western side) fromMountAlexanderRoadtoFootscrayRoad;

AviaductgenerallyalongtheFootscrayRoadalignment;and An interchange at Appleton Dock and Footscray Road and provision for entry/exit

rampsatArdenStreetfromtheviaduct.

2.2 ProjectAreaPrecincts

PartsAandBweredividedintosixprecincts. PartAincludesPrecincts1to4,whilstPartB

includesPrecincts

5and

6.

The

location

of

each

Precinct

is

depicted

in

Figure

4.1

of

the

CIS

andisshownasFigure2.

Figure2: ProjectBoundaryandPrecincts1to6



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2.2.1 Precinct1:HoddleStreet(EasternPortal)

TheeasternendoftheProject iscontained inPrecinct1. ThePrecinctcommencesonthe

EasternFreewayatYarraBendRoad(approximatechainage2760)whichisidentifiedasthe

limit

of

works

and

proceed

west

to

Smith

Street

(approximate

chainage

5000).

In

addition

tothealignmentoftheProjectPartAworks,thePrecinctincludesapproximately550metres

ofAlexandraParadewhichwillremainasasurfaceroadbetweentheeasterntunnelportal

andSmithStreet. Precinct1isshownasFigure3.

Figure3: Precinct1


ThefollowinginfrastructureelementsaredepictedintheReferenceDesign:

AdditionaltrafficlanesalongtheEasternFreewayReservationfromHoddleStreettoYarraBendRoadincludinganewbridgespanovertheMerriCreek;

RelocationoftheexistingGroomStreet/TrenerryCrescentpedestrianbridge; Reconfiguration of the Hoddle Street and Alexandra Parade interchange

incorporating a new north to east connection from Hoddle Street to the Eastern

Freewayshownasanelevatedflyover. ThestructurepassesoverAlexandraParade,

HoddleStreetandtheSouthMorang/Hurstbridgerailway line. Atthispoint it issix

metres above the railway line. It then connects with the eastbound lane of the

EasternFreewaypriortoMerriCreek;

Provisionoftheeasterntunnelportal(atapproximatechainage4480);


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ConnectionoftheEasternFreewaywiththeProjecttunnelsviaanopencuttrenchfrom Hoddle Street to the eastern portal, then via cutandcover construction to

approximatechainage4800,100metreswestofWellingtonStreet;and

Boredtunnelconstructionfromchainage4800toSmithStreet.Atunnelventilationstructureneartheeasternportalwillneedtobeprovided.

Themostsignificant issuesassociatedwiththisPrecinct includethedesign,scaleandsiting

oftheinterchangeatHoddleStreetandAlexandraParade,thelocationoftheeasternportal

proximate to sensitive uses, and the scale of impact associated with the proposed

demolition of houses and businesses to enable the construction of a temporary sidetrack.

Based on the Reference Project, there are 35 residential and 18 commercial properties

proposedtobeacquired inPrecinct1toaccommodatetheseelements. Oncompletionof

the works, the properties required for the sidetrack are identified as an urban renewal

opportunity.

2.2.2 Precinct2:

Alexandra

Parade

(Tunnel)

Precinct 2 includes the majority of the tunnelled section of the Project. It excludes the

easternandwesterntunnelportals. Precinct2isshownonFigure4.

Figure4: Precinct2


The tunnels are proposed to be twin tunnels bored approximately 20 to 30 metres

underground.

ThePrecinct

commences

at

Smith

Street

(approximate

chainage

5000).

The


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plans indicate that the westbound bored tunnel is located north of the westbound

carriagewayofAlexandraParade. Theeastboundtunnelislocatedpartiallyunderandnorth

oftheeastboundcarriagewayofAlexandraParade. Theycontinueunderprivateproperties

onthenorthernsideofPrincesStreet,theMelbourneGeneralCemetery,PrincesParkand

RoyalParade.

The

Precinct

ends

at

approximate

Chainage

7400.

The

CIS

indicated

that

if

a

midtunnelair intakestructure isrequired, it is likelytobe locatedwithinthisPrecinct. Its

locationwillbesubjecttodetaileddesign.

2.2.3 Precinct3:RoyalPark(WesternPortal)

Precinct 3 commences at The Avenue in Parkville (approximate chainage 7400) and

continues in tunnel under Royal Park to chainage 8800, the western portal. Beyond the

portal the ramp connections are shown as open cut and cover elevated structures. The

ReferenceProjectdepictsaninterchangeatElliottAvenuewiththerampstobeconstructed

bymixofbothcutandcoverandopencuttrenching. Inthis locationarealignmentofthe

TramRoute

55

is

proposed.

Precinct

3is

shown

on

Figure

5.

Figure5: Precinct3


The Reference Project entertains adoption ofcutand coverconstruction from 200metres

east of Elliott Avenue (approximate chainage 8000) through to the western tunnel portal

located immediatelytothewestoftheUpfieldrailway line(approximatechainage28800).

The road alignment then proceeds via elevated ramps over Manningham Parklands/Ross


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Straw Field both to the north and south in order to provide links to CityLink and a future

connectionwithPartBoftheProjectthroughtothePortofMelbourne.

The northbound connection from the western portal is shown to run parallel to CityLink

along

Moonee

Ponds

Creek.

An

off

ramp

is

proposed

at

Ormond

Road

which

is

the

northern

extentofPrecinct3.

Bywayofsummary,themainproposedinfrastructureelementswithinthisPrecinctinclude:

ElliottAvenueinterchange; ConstructionundertheUpfieldRailwayline; Ne

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