Green light for community input into final NEL designs
Eastern Metro MP Rod Barton has welcomed the Minister for Planning’s green light for tendering consortiums to incorporate community driven designs into the final North East Link plans.
North East Link: Early works begin before EES recommendations and approvals are in
I asked the Minister for Transport Infrastructure why early works have started at Borlase Reserve before the EES recommendations are presented or any approvals issued.
Barton defends community after NELP lawyers “unfair blow”
Rebuttal comments from North East Link Project lawyers on the final day of public hearings have unfairly dismissed community concerns and left them fearing the worst says Eastern Metro MP Rod Barton.
Mr Barton has come out in support of the community whose hopes for changes to the project now rest with the expert advisory panel’s final deliberation and report, due mid-October.
UPDATE – NELP lawyers response to hearing submissions
After seven weeks of hearings, more than 850 public submissions and thousands of pages of arguments from lawyers, the independent planning panel examining the government’s North Eastlink Toll Road Project has retired to prepare its report on the project’s future.
Through its lawyers, the North East Link Project Authority systematically rejected almost every issue and alternative idea raised during the EES process claiming that the reference design and the proposed management plans represent the best outcome for the state.
Rod’s presentation to the advisory panel
Rod presented to the North East Link expert advisory panel on Monday, September 9. His presentation focused on five key areas and stressed the importance of putting the needs of the community first.
QUESTION – North East Link – SMART taxpayers design
I asked the Planning Minister to ensure the SMART taxpayer design be given consideration by bidders to allow them to present the best final design for the North East Link.
Community input into final design for North East link
Community design solutions need consideration in the development of a final design for the North East Link. I’ve asked the Planning Minister to ensure the needs of the community and their input be incorporated.
QUESTION – BULLEEN ART AND GARDEN
I asked the Minister for Planning to detail the process for compulsory acquisition of the Bulleen Industrial Zone businesses.
Bulleen businesses need a plan
Last week we toured businesses in the Bulleen Industrial Zone last week with Manningham Mayor Paula Piccinini to hear concerns over the Environmental Effects Statement process and the current design, which proposes wiping out much of the business zone.
“These small business owners are living in limbo and it’s creating huge stress on them, their businesses, staff and their families.”
UPDATE: Lawyers not needed at North East Link panel hearings says Minister
We received a response this week from the Minister for Planning, Richard Wynne following Mr Barton’s question in parliament regarding the need to get legal representation to present individual cases on the North East Link Environmental Effects hearings.