How was the preferred trail alignment determined?
The preferred alignment was developed based on feedback to date from key stakeholders and relevant authorities with planning approval interests. Several alternative alignments were reviewed and considered. On balance the preferred option meets the criteria of access, user enjoyment, safety, minimising environmental impacts, and ease of construction. We continue to work with the relevant authorities, including the Land Managers (Metro Trains Melbourne) of the land on which most of the trail is to be constructed.
Who owns the land where the trail is to be built and who will manage it?
The Stony Point Rail corridor is a rail reserve, meaning it is on public land set aside for use as a railway. The corridor is owned by the Crown and managed by Metro Trains Melbourne for the purposes of operating a railway. Mornington Peninsula Shire is the proponent for the trail, and would manage construction within approvals, and be responsible for ongoing maintenance of the trail under agreement with the land manager.
How will you consider road crossing treatments by trail users?
The road crossing treatments for each of the four main crossings are subject to a range of inputs and considerations including community safety, traffic volumes, integration with rail safety infrastructure and relevant authority approvals. As part of the planning process, we have engaged the services of specialist consultants to investigate and design appropriate crossing infrastructure to ensure safety concerns are addressed. We are also working with the relevant authorities at VicTrack and the Department of Transport and Planning to consider safe road crossings, with key recommendations being incorporated in the design.
We are guided by the approvals and compliance decisions by the relevant authorities and funding for the project on what can be delivered. It is not within the current scope of this project to address and deliver solutions for a fully controlled pedestrian crossing at the double roundabouts at Eramosa Road West Somerville, Golf Links Road or Baxter-Tooradin Road.
How will you consider and manage any potential environmental impacts of the project?
The trail is being constructed within an environmentally sensitive site with significant biodiversity assets including remnant native vegetation and large, old trees. Minimising environmental impacts during construction and the future life of the trail is a priority. Planning for the trail has been subject to a range of environmental studies to identify biodiversity assets and mitigation strategies to minimise impacts. Industry experts such as arborists, ecologists, native vegetation and fauna professionals are guiding the project planning.
How will you consider and integrate cultural values into the project?
Through the Bunurong Land Council and Aboriginal Corporation, we are working closely with the Bunurong Traditional Owners to help shape trail design, visitor information and stories that will help promote Aboriginal and wider community sense of place and cultural identity. These inputs will continue to be refined and implemented as we progress through the construction phase of the project. A Cultural Heritage Management Plan has been prepared and endorsed for the project.
What stage is the project at?
A Public Tender was released in May, at the August 6th Council meeting council resolved to award the contract with construction anticipated to begin in late 2024.
Responsible authorities have approved the plans, we will continue working with Metro Trains Melbourne on the project for the foreseeable future to ensure a smooth construction process in operational rail land.
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