Fitzsimons Lane upgrade: Community protests possible removal of 900 trees
Claims 900 trees could make way for a major road upgrade in Eltham have been met with fierce backlash. The public has tied red ribbons around tree trunks throughout the suburb, while one councillor said the possible move would create a “moonscape”.
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Red ribbons have been tied around dozens of trees near Fitzsimons Lane in Eltham in the hope they will be spared when the State Government upgrades the major thoroughfare.
Nillumbik Cr Peter Clark said the council had a briefing with Major Roads Project Victoria three weeks ago, where it was revealed about 900 trees could be slated for removal.
But Eltham state Labor MP Vicki Ward said the number of trees to be felled was yet to be confirmed.
She said design revisions had resulted in saving more than 100 trees in the project space instead.
“Major Road Projects Victoria is committed to minimising the project’s impact on trees and other vegetation,” she said.
“We’ll continue to keep the community up to date as the planning stage progresses and consultation will continue throughout the project.”
The Fitzsimons Lane upgrade is part of the State Government’s $2.2 billion commitment towards improving 14 key roads in Melbourne’s north and south-east.
Traffic lights would replace roundabouts at Main Rd and Porter St, while bus lanes would be converted to all-vehicle use between Porter and Foote streets, under the plans.
There will also be upgrades to the Foote St intersection, new traffic lights at the Leane Dr intersection, new walking and cycling paths and safety barriers.
But Cr Clarke called on the State Government to be more transparent about the project plans.
“Yes there is a role for the project, but what is the size of the project and how do you do it without destroying everything — we still do not know,” he said.
“We are not convinced by the traffic modelling that is being used for the design.
“The landscape will be obliterated and it will become a moonscape rather than a landscape so we are hoping the State Government agrees on a more appropriate outcome.”
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Eltham Community Action Group president Sue Dyett said she helped tie ribbons to trees around Fitzsimons Lane to make the public aware of the project’s potential impact.
She also hoped it would cause the State Government to consider preserving the area’s “beautiful rural-like charm”.
“When you drive over the hill and come into Eltham it’s a beautiful feeling — you’re greeted with trees and greenery and it’s just a wonderful homecoming feeling,” she said.
“We would like the government to take a pause on the current plans and address the community — listen to our concerns and find out what should happen.”
Construction on the Fitzsimons Lane upgrade will start in 2020.