Metro Trains to phase out rock transporting works along Dandenong Creek in Bayswater North

It’s been used as a storage area for Metro Trains’ rock transporting works. But this Bayswater North road has been targeted by illegal rubbish dumping forcing authorities to take action.

Bungalook Rd East in Bayswater North, near Dandenong Creek, has been targeted for illegal rubbish dumping. Picture: Supplied.

A noisy, dusty dumping round for rubbish and trucks transporting rocks for rail projects is to be cleaned up in a win for nearby residents.

Metro Trains will stop its ballast transporting works around Bungalook Rd East in Bayswater North in the coming months.

It will also do a clean-up of the area with Maroondah Council following reports of illegal rubbish dumping along the road and near Dandenong Creek.

Dandenong Creek near Heathmont and Bayswater North has been previously plagued by pollution issues. Picture: Supplied.

Bayswater state Labor MP Jackson Taylor said he raised the issues with Public Transport Minister Melissa Horne following ongoing complaints from neighbours.

According to Mr Taylor, the rock transporting has stopped immediately outside of daytime hours and will eventually be phased out.

Metro Trains has been storing ballast at a site near Bungalook Rd East in Bayswater North. Picture: Supplied.

Mr Taylor also said Maroondah Council would replant trees, install bollards and undertake mulching works in its clean-up of the area.

The council also plans to install warning signs and hidden CCTV cameras, which will operate periodically, to kerb the issue in the future.

“Since receiving inquiries from many locals in this area, I was determined to see a positive outcome that has proven hard to date,” Mr Taylor said.

“I am pleased to have been able to work constructively with Minister Horne and Maroondah Council to get these commonsense results for locals.”

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Metro Trains spokesman Andrew Nelson said the trucks moved ballast and other materials in the area as part of its ongoing track maintenance program.

Mr Nelson said despite works being wound back, trucks might still need to access the area during unplanned disruptions.

“We have taken immediate steps to reduce the stockpiling of ballast in Bungalook Road East in response to community concerns,” he said.

“Crews recently cleared the storage site of rubbish and installed a new vandal-proof lock to prevent further illegal dumping.”

The council was contacted for comment.