Wednesday, 22 February 2023

 Jess WILSON (Kew) (14:39): (36) My question is for the Minister for Transport and Infrastructure. Will the minister meet with the local community group in my electorate, residents united against North East Link option A, RUANELA, to discuss their concerns about the design and impacts of the North East Link? This project will impact on many residents in the electorate of Kew, particularly those who live in Balwyn North near the proposed Bulleen Road interchange. Residents’ concerns include: significant loss of public transport amenity; inadequate noise level controls; widening of the Eastern Freeway out to 24 lanes; no filtration in tunnel exhaust stacks and the pollution effects; impacts on Belle Vue Primary School, located directly next to the proposed southern interchange; and consequences on the traffic flow and congestion on local streets. With the North East Link expected to be one of the most expensive public transport projects built in Victoria’s history, it is critical that the residents of Kew are properly consulted and their feedback is incorporated into the design and construction process. I ask the minister to meet with them and listen to their concerns.