Upfield Corridor Coalition holds rally to present its community vision

A growing group has held its first rally as it fights for the survival of Coburg trees under threat from level crossing removals. A new vision outlines five key areas for the removals to tick off.

Brunswick state MP Tim Read speaks at a snap rally about sky rail on the Upfield train line in Gandolfo Gardens in Coburg on June 16.

A rally organised by a new community group has voiced concerns about the impending sky rail to be built in Brunswick and Coburg.

The rally was held on Sunday and organised by the Upfield Corridor Coalition, a group formed to be a voice for all commuters and residents before level crossing removals along the train line begin next year.

The rally was held in Coburg’s Gandolfo Gardens, which is home to trees under threat by the impending construction.

The trees in Gandolfo Gardens. Picture: Sarah Matray

A community vision was created by the coalition last month and handed to the Level Crossing Removal Project before community consultation ended on Saturday.

Early designs for Moreland and Coburg train stations were released last week.

The vision made requests of the LXRP under five areas — heritage, public transport, open space, safety and home amenity and cycling and pedestrian access.

Coalition spokesman James Conlan said the vision showed the community was united in achieving positive results from the removals.

A design of the new Coburg train station. Supplied: Victorian Government

“If we can stick together and keep pressuring the State Government, we’ll be able to achieve the outcomes that we deserve as part of this project,” he said.

Attendees of the rally visited sky rail examples in Caulfield and Dandenong to gather ideas about the project.

Brunswick Greens state MP Tim Read spoke at the rally and said he hoped to present the vision to parliament and would join the coalition in fighting for the protection of the trees and for improved bike routes.

A sign wrapped around a tree in Gandolfo Gardens.

Moreland Council also endorsed the vision.

Mr Conlon said the coalition would meet Pascoe Vale MP Lizzie Blandthorn next week to discuss their recommendations.

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Ms Blandthorn said she was impressed the community had gotten together to create a consensus contribution.

“I encourage community members to provide feedback and input so that all ideas can be considered in the decision making for the project,” she said.