Tuesday, 30 April 2024

 Richard WELCH (North-Eastern Metropolitan) (19:07): (847) My adjournment question is to the Minister for the Suburban Rail Loop. I rise today to address a matter of urgent concern for the residents of Box Hill and the City of Whitehorse. Recently I met with the mayor of Whitehorse, Denise Massoud, and her hardworking team to discuss developments surrounding the Suburban Rail Loop and the Suburban Rail Loop Authority (SRL Authority). In Box Hill alone a staggering 2500 trees are marked for removal to make way for this project. These are not just numbers on a page, these trees represent the lungs of our city and are essential for air quality, shade and the wellbeing of the community. Box Hill, a suburb that has already limited space, is slated to see open space go from 36 square metres per person to 6 square metres per person because of the government’s proposed precinct. This is not development, this is devastation of the public utility and amenity.

The Victorian government’s handling of this situation leaves much to be desired. There has been a significant lack of communication between the SRL Authority, the City of Whitehorse and, most importantly, the people of Box Hill. Such an expensive project requires not only consultation but collaboration with the community it impacts, yet our community leaders find themselves consistently sidelined and their concerns unaddressed by government. In light of this, our community has rallied. The formation of action groups like the brickworks parkland association is a testament to the resilience and commitment of Box Hill residents to protect and preserve our open spaces. These groups are not just fighting against the loss of green space, they are fighting for the soul of our community, for our quality of life and for the environment we cherish.

Mayor Massoud and the City of Whitehorse have shown leadership and care for our community. Their efforts to mitigate these impacts are commendable, but they should not have to fight this battle alone. Meanwhile, the member for Box Hill is entirely mute as the community he is supposed to serve have their community demolished literally out from under their feet.

The need to save and protect open space in Box Hill has never been more critical. The strategy must ensure that our open spaces are not just preserved and enhanced but enhanced in the face of urban development. As it stands today, it is clear that the promises made by this government, promises of progress and connectivity through a new train line, have morphed into a plan that threatens to dismantle the very fabric of our community. We were promised enhancements, not the eradication of our community’s livability. Infrastructure is not just concrete; infrastructure is open spaces, suitably sized schools and ample sports facilities. Therefore, Minister, the action I seek is: will you commit to a genuine open-space strategy that prioritises the needs and the wellbeing of the City of Whitehorse?