Banyule takes North East Link to the Supreme Court

Banyule has joined forces with other councils in a legal challenge against the controversial North East Link. They list tunnel concerns and the protection of trees among their concerns.

An artist’s impression of the North East Link. Picture: State Government

Banyule Council has launched a Supreme Court legal challenge on the North East Link.

Mayor Alison Champion said they had received feedback from residents that the project team appeared to lack experience and expertise in working with local communities to achieve local outcomes.

Ms Champion said the planning minister had ignored recommendations and concerns over major environmental impacts and loss of amenities the project would bring.

“We stand united with residents, local community groups and traders and will continue to explore all avenues to get the best design, maximum environmental protection and minimised impacts for our community,” Ms Champion said.

Friends of Banyule president Michelle Giovas opposes the NEL. Picture: Andrew Forsyth

The council supports the delivery of the $15.8 billion link but said there were a number of design improvements needed to be properly investigated.

Its main concerns were the delivery of a longer tunnel option and the exclusion of Borlase Reserve as a tunnel boring machine launch site.

They were also concerned about the protection of nature and significant trees at Simpson Army Barracks.

Friends of Banyule president Michelle Giovas said they were very pleased the council had taken action.

An artist’s impression of the North East Link. Picture: State Government

“We’re concerned about the lack of information and transparency, there’s a lot of unresolved issues,” Ms Giovas said.

She said the community group was also concerned about loss of homes due to the works.

Thirty-seven homes have already been acquired but she feared more would be impacted due to the works.

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Banyule Council has formed an alliance with Boroondara and Whitehorse councils to pursue the legal action, which could delay the link.

The project — to join the M80 Ring Road and the Eastern Freeway — was given the green light by the government in December after a lengthy independent environmental review process.

The councils — which have already spent more than $1.3 million of ratepayers’ money on legal fees challenging the road — argue the full extent of environmental and community impacts were unknown until the completed design is locked in with the successful bidder.

Major construction work on the North East Link is expected to start next year, with the new toll road to be open by 2027.

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