Thursday, 19 March 2026

 Richard WELCH (North-Eastern Metropolitan) (12:54): (2250) My constituency question is for the Minister for Environment. Residents in Banyule and surrounding communities have raised serious concerns about the environmental impacts associated with the construction of the North East Link Program. These concerns were heightened following an incident last year where chemicals from construction entered the Banyule Creek, turning the water bright blue and prompting an investigation by the EPA. In response to ongoing concerns about air and water quality, Banyule City Council has formally written to the EPA requesting expanded environmental monitoring in the area, including additional air-testing sites. The residents want reassurance that any environmental impacts from the project will be properly monitored and transparently reported. My question to the minister is: will the government support Banyule council’s request for expanded environmental monitoring and report to local communities during the construction of North East Link?