Buckley St trees dressed in colourful material in peaceful protest against road-under-rail plan

ESSENDON residents have staged a colourful protest against the road-under-rail option for the Buckley St level crossing removal project, with a public rally to be held on Sunday.

An artist's impression of the Rose St shopping precinct in Essendon after the Buckley St level crossing is removed, with the road running beneath the rail line.

INCENSED residents have staged a peacefully colourful protest against the State Government’s decision to dig a road-under-rail trench for the Buckley St level crossing removal project in Essendon.

Several large gum trees lining the median strips on Buckley St have been dressed in bright fabric in an attempt to highlight their significance to passers by.

Many of the trees would have to be removed to make way for the road underpass, slated for construction as part of the crossing removal.

Seventeen of the trees are listed on Moonee Valley Council’s Significant Tree Register.

Buckley St resident Lisa Auchinachie said the public was not being listened to by the State Government, and that the road underpass was a bad idea.

“There are four schools in proximity to the crossing,” Ms Auchinachie said.

“The local residents, business owners, members of the school community and even the schools themselves have expressed concerns over the lack of consultation, safety of the design and minimal benefits to the local community that the car trench crossing will provide.

“Many think that this is a very short-sighted solution and is simply the Government trying to thrust the cheapest option upon the community.

“The State Government appears to be trying to fulfil an election promise, but is doing so at the expense of the local community.”

A Save Buckley St rally will be held at the corner of Rose and Buckley streets on Sunday, May 21, at 11am.