Residents fight to be heard over Montmorency station concerns

Residents in Montmorency were told their station was getting a “major update”. Instead it’s been replaced by something out of line for the community. SEE THE PICS

The Montmorency train station was demolished in March, making way for a new one, but the process has caused pain for residents.

Residents of a suburb known for its village-like atmosphere are angry a “major update” to their train station has become total demolition to make way for a major redesign totally out of character for the area.

As part of the duplication of the Hurstbridge train line — which is supported by locals — the small Montmorency station is being replaced by a new station, with a community group saying they were never properly consulted about the change.

Cecile Menard, spokesperson for Monty Train Station Group and Montmorency resident, said locals “never, ever expected the level of disregard for the community”.

“We’ve been trying to get information of what was coming for three years, we still don’t know,” she said.

The government originally called the works a “major upgrade” to Montmorency station, but revealed to residents in community meetings it was actually a total demolition, location change and redesign, removing a significant portion of the vegetation the leafy suburb is known for.

Locals there are passionate about preserving the tree canopy which forms a habitat for wildlife in the area as well as the “village” character of Montmorency.

Construction on a new Montmorency train station as part of the Hurstbridge line duplication is underway, but locals are concerned by what they are seeing.

The Hurstbridge Line Consultation Report said the new station design would focus on reinforcing the local character of the village suburb, reflecting the scale and character of the precinct.

“(It) should respond to the site’s topography in a sensitive and complementary manner, minimise visual bulk and adopt a palette of natural materials where appropriate, maintain and enhance tree canopy coverage and understorey planting, where possible, to support the leafy village character that is cherished by the local community,” the report states.

But Ms Menard called the consultation process “very vague” with a “lack of transparency”, with residents only asked for opinions on colours and finishes.

She estimated about 800 trees had been removed for the construction of the new station, which began in mid-March.

“We were promised it was going to be minimum vegetation removal,’’ she said.

A collage created by Monty Train Station Group shows the impact of the vegetation removal at the site of the new train station construction on Mayona Rd, with an artist rendering provided by the government showing the final product.

A photo captured by a resident before construction shows the difference compared to an artist rendering provided by the government of the new station on Station Rd in Montmorency.

“The wildlife corridor tree canopy … that has been completely decimated.

“Basically we’re getting about two extra trains a day for it.”

The duplication of the Hurstbridge line was delayed in 2021 when the rare Eltham copper butterfly was found in vegetation close to Montmorency train station.

Residents are also confused as to why they need such a large train station, with two car parks, when the population of the suburb is one of the smallest in the area at less than 10,000 people.

“It's very much that for the area, the size, the sheer scale … we’re not a major activity centre by any means,” Ms Menard said.

Ms Menard claimed that renders of the design weren’t made available to the wider community, but she’d obtained images of the design through taking a photo of a flyer at a consultation meeting two years ago.

“We were presented with something that was just extremely big and different to what we were expecting,” she said.

Residents have lobbied the government with more than 1000 people signing a petition asking the Transport Minister to intervene in order for community concerns to be properly addressed.

Banyule Council chief executive Alison Beckworth wrote to the Minister to express concerns about “the level of information being provided by the state government delivery agencies and the limited extent of direct community feedback on the designs and location of the Montmorency train station”.

“We believe this feedback is essential for the best possible design outcome and for project success and are aware that there has been strong advocacy on this point,” Ms Beckworth said.

Level Crossings Removal Program director Antonia Buckland said the new Montmorency station, one of 37 new or upgraded stations across Melbourne, would have modern facilities.

“(The) final designs have been shared with the community … we always take into account the unique local feel of the area when designing stations, including at Montmorency,” she said.

The station is due to open by the end of this month.