Statement Regarding Suburban Rail Loop
Bayside has advocated strongly for the Victorian Government to hear the voice of local communities concerned about the Suburban Rail Loop (SRL) Cheltenham Precinct Plans.
Council has worked to share information with our community – particularly in the absence of any real detail from SRL prior to the release of the precinct structure plans.
As the level of government closest to the community, Council is acutely aware of the concern and alarm of many residents in Highett, Cheltenham and Pennydale on the impact on the neighbourhoods they love.
Council has undertaken its own engagement with the community and they told us that nearly 67% were opposed to the SRL precinct vision. The community also told us they are particularly concerned regarding housing density, excessive building heights, traffic congestion, lack of open space and how the infrastructure needed to support population growth will be planned and funded.
The community is also concerned regarding the lack of genuine engagement and simple information on the Suburban Rail Loop, and other State Government planning reforms. Council has attempted to fill this void by connecting the community with information on what is proposed, and how it could impact their communities.
This week Council held a well-attended forum and invited SRL representatives to present to ensure the community can be informed during the SRL submission period. Feedback from the forum indicates that the concerns and fears of the community have only been reinforced.
We continue the call for Council and our community to have a say on changes that will dramatically alter the place we all love.
https://www.bayside.vic.gov.au/news/statement-regarding-suburban-rail-loop