North East Link: Businesses petition for Manningham Rd interchange redesign

AN ONLINE petition is calling on State Government and North East Link Authority to redesign what they say is “the most destructive option” available to project authorities.

BULLEEN traders have started an online petition calling on State Government and North East Link Authority to redesign what they say is “the most destructive option” available to project authorities.

Land acquisitions could see as many as 100 businesses relocated from the Bulleen industrial estate in Kim Close and Greenaway St to make way for the proposed Manningham Rd interchange.

It’s estimated about 1000 jobs could be lost if the relocations go ahead.

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Traders have also put up signage on fences in the community to raise awareness of their possible fate.

Bulleen Industrial Zone Group chair David Monk, who owns Swan Plastics, said many people still seemed unaware of the possible toll of building the road.

Traders say not enough people are aware of the potential cost the North East Link might have on the Bulleen community.

“When speaking with locals it has become apparent that very few are aware of the impact that the North East Link will have on the greater Bulleen community,” he said.

“We support the project and recognise that it is necessary to ease congestion between the M80 and the Eastern Freeway, but we are dismayed at this most destructive option (being chosen).”

Project authority CEO Duncan Elliott said work to refine the interchange design was continuing and specific land acquisitions could not be confirmed until the process was complete.

The change.org petition, Re-design the North East Link to save Bulleen businesses, has been signed by 457 people since October 1. Construction is expected to start in 2020.

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