Residents United Against North East Link Option A ready to unveil alternative route

OPPONENTS of the North East Link say they are be ready to unveil details of an alternative route proposal after a public meeting tonight.

Residents United Against North East Link Option A at Koonung Park, Bulleen, which they suspect will be impacted by the route. Picture: Rob Leeson.

• Victoria is to build the North East Link in 2020 at a cost of $16.5 billion
• Matthew Guy has warned the Eastern Freeway could be tolled to pay for North East Link
• NELA calls for investigation into “scare tactics” in battle against route through Bulleen

OPPONENTS of the North East Link say they are be ready to unveil details of an alternative route proposal after a public meeting tonight.

OPPONENTS of the North East Link say they are be ready to unveil details of an alternative route proposal after a public meeting tonight.

The 11km Option A would follow the Greensborough Highway south using existing road reserve and connect with the Eastern Freeway near Bulleen Rd.

But Residents United Against North East Link Option A spokeswoman Lorrae Willox said they would continue to fight the plans which would lead to an increase in noise, pollution and traffic congestion locally.

Protesters against the North East Link at a drilling rig in Bulleen in March. Picture: Supplied

“We have an alternative proposal which will be presented at a public meeting that is easier to build, far cheaper and more efficient than Option A,” she said. “It will enable traffic flow, enable more public transport and cancel the need for compulsory acquisitions.”

The group’s meetings will now be held every month until the Victorian election in November.

They have formed a steering committee to report on the work, meetings and alliances achieved since the rally in Koonung Creek Park last November.

“Our proposal has been developed from engineering expertise and using (North East Link Authority’s) own published material. It basically involves the Eastern Freeway, Thompsons and Bulleen roads,” Ms Willox said.

“We hope to be talking about this from now until November to all interested parties, including politicians.”

North East Link Authority chief executive Duncan Elliott said the body had a standing offer to meet with Ruanela.

“We are working with community groups, business owners and people living along the corridor to hear concerns and find solutions,” he said.

Manningham Council assets and engineering director Leigh Harrison said when detailed designs for Option A become available the council would advocate for the community.

Tonight’s meeting starts at 7.30pm in the Horace Watson/Deepdene Hall in Whitehorse Rd, Deepdene.