Mordialloc Freeway protesters to host lunch among doomed gum trees
As construction of the $375 million Mordialloc Freeway gets underway, opponents plan a public send-off for three of the 900 trees to be felled to make way for the new road.
Inner South
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Opponents of the $375 million Mordialloc Fwy will host a free public brunch to farewell three 20-metre gum trees that stand in the route of the new road.
The red gums are some of about 900 trees expected to be chopped down to clear the way for the freeway.
Protesters say they are “devastated” but refuse to give up their three-year campaign as work on the thoroughfare gets underway.
Construction zones have been set up along the nine-kilometre strip which is due for completion in 2021.
Residents Against Mordialloc Freeway treasurer and Waterways resident Scott Fothergill said despite things “looking grim” for the tireless advocates, the group would continue their push to save their local wetlands.
“This is a travesty and we are devastated a freeway is going to run through the beautiful trees and wetlands of Braeside and beyond,” he said.
“It’s an absolutely beautiful, tranquil spot to visit with family and we’re going to be losing that.”
Mr Fothergill welcomed the public to the brunch to be held under three native river red gum trees which are set to be destroyed as the freeway construction nears Braeside Park.
“We won’t give up but this is a chance for people to come together and reminisce about what we’re losing,” Mr Fothergill said.
“(The brunch) is a bit of a farewell … things are looking grim.”
The six lane road, which will feature interchange upgrades at Thames Promenade Chelsea and a shared walking and cycling path, is expected to carry 75,000 motorists per day by 2031.
It will extend from the Mornington Peninsula Fwy at Chelsea Heights, run past Waterways, through Braeside and link up to the Dingley bypass near Heatherton.
Bridges will be installed above Springvale, Governor, Lower Dandenong and Centre Dandenong roads.
City of Kingston central ward councillor Rosemary West described construction works as a “travesty” and said the project would increase the likelihood of the extinction of the endangered bittern bird, found in the Braeside wetlands.
“Given the freeway is unnecessary and won’t achieve its purpose, it’s a particular tragedy that we’re going to lose these beautiful giant red gums and have important wetlands damaged, among hundreds of other trees,” Cr West said.
“There are less than 1000 bitterns left in the country and they are at risk of local extinction.”
But Major Road Projects Victoria program director Brendan Pauwels said the freeway had undergone a “rigorous” environmental assessment to ensure best outcomes were achieved during construction, including the protection of native birdlife.
“The framework includes the protection of as much native vegetation as possible and specific measures to protect the nationally important birdlife that uses habitat in the area,” he said.
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“We continue to meet with stakeholder groups to ensure they are kept up to date with how we are managing the environment while we build this important connection for Melburnians.”
Mr Fothergill urged people to come along to the farewell near Park Way Braeside on November 24 from 10.30am.
“The trees’ days may be numbered, but that’s why we’re having this gathering,” he said.
“The wetlands won’t be the same with a giant freeway running straight down the middle.”
brittany.goldsmith@news.com.au