Meeting at Boroondara Council

Monday, 27th July Martin met with Acting Manager Engineering and Traffic, Boroondara Council to discuss outstanding issues.
A copy of our submission is available for viewing here.
Concerns were expressed over VicRoads noise policy and standards. Also problems with Council's program of noise testing and analysis to date. Lack of consultation in the last round of testing was highlighted.
We are frustrated that the increase in traffic volumes and freight usage that pervades our Section of freeway has not had a significant impact on test results. We want further testing (by an independent Contractor).
Harmony Day in the Koonung Reserve - we are asking for Council support in a BNFNG sponsored Harmony Day in August/September. We propose a day for tree planting, information exchange and socialising with our neighbours.
Any ideas most welcome...

Noise Discrimination

I find the current VicRoads Policy regarding noise confusing and discriminatory -

• Why do some residents near freeways get greater protection from noise than others?
• Why are some sections of freeways protected by a policy of 63 dBA whereas older sections have a 68 dBA policy - Do we have different ears!!!!
• Even though the BNFNG contends that our section (Bulleen Rd to Doncaster Rd) should be under the 63 dBA policy for many reasons one of which is the increase from 4 lanes to 6 lanes in the 1990's (VicRoads Policy states that lane expansions to older sections of freeways qualify them as a new section), I believe that the same policy should apply to all Victorians.
• If we can afford to fund freeways, surely we can afford to protect the health and safety of our people.
• Why are VicRoads the body responsible for policing the effects on residents? It seems like a conflict of interest. Where are the EPA in this whole equation?
• Does anyone know of any Environment Impact Statements that have been undertaken regarding the section of the M3 from Bulleen Rd to Doncaster Rd?
• I can't find any evidence, since the early 1990's, that even ONE CENT has been spent on protecting residents along this section of the freeway from the growing effects of noise and pollution.

M3 Connection to Ring Road

As a resident of Balwyn North, I am concerned about the “proposed” connection of the M3 (previously know as Eastlink) to Greensborough via Bulleen.

• Members of BNFNG attended a public meeting in Heidelberg in June by Craig Langdon, MP for Ivanhoe.
• It seems that the connection is now a “done deal” (unless private funding does not eventuate) with estimated completion 2017. The current proposal includes a tunnel from Lower Plenty Road (Macleod) exiting in Bulleen.
• It was mentioned at this meeting that the M3 would need to be widened between Bulleen Road and Tram Road to 8 lanes. Since then, we have heard that consultants have recently been commissioned by VicRoads regarding the expansion to 8 lanes. My understanding (unofficial) is that noise barriers are STILL not a component of this widening.
• To date, I am unaware of any discussions or consultation with Balwyn North residents. Once again we seem to be the "forgotten residents".
• I did not realise that the Koonung Creek Reserve is not protected - I'm really worried that we could loose some or a lot of our park!!
• When did Balwyn North, Bulleen, Heidelberg, Macleod and Watsonia become the conduit for all the trucks from Frankston, etc, to get to the Hume Highway. I thought the idea of the Ring Road was to take the traffic away from the inner areas. What happened to the original plan for the Ring Road to continue around Melbourne and connect somewhere further out - I think it was Ringwood. The old plans seem to have now disappeared off the maps (how convenient). Could it be that this route took the freeway through some marginal labour seats or am I being cynical!!!
• Do we actually have "planners". It seems that a freeway (the M3) has been extended with no real exit - so now they need to solve the problem of where the traffic goes. They've looked at the map, found the "green wedges" - whoopee - let's put a connection there!!!!!

Group's Upcoming Meeting with VicRoads

Members of BNFNG (Martin, John and myself) met with VicRoads in May 2009 (see our Submission and Press Release on this site).

We are having a follow up meeting with VicRoads on 10 August 2009 in Balwyn North and will provide an update following this meeting.

BNFNG website is alive! Blog is ready-to-go!

The BNFNG recently requested assistance to establish a web presence for the group, and the process has been largely uneventful. It's early days, but I (humbly) believe a good start has been made !

Hopefully you've had a chance to check out the website. Let us know what you think...

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Welcome

Welcome to the Boroondara North Freeway Noise Group blog !