By Brendan Rees
Angry residents of a Berwick estate opposing a six-lane highway development on their doorsteps without noise barriers have sought some reprieve in their fight to halt it.
As part of the second stage of the Monash Freeway upgrade – Major Roads Projects Victoria (MRPV) plans to widen O’Shea Road in each direction – making it six lanes in total as part of the Monash Freeway Upgrade, which is due to be completed in 2022.
However, residents of Affinity Estate, which adjoins O’Shea Road, say they have not been properly consulted about the project, adding “at no time” were made aware of the six-lane proposal.
They have since sent a 352-signature petition outlining their concerns to Casey Council – which was reviewed by Casey Council administrator Noelene Duff at council’s 5 May meeting.
Ms Duff made a recommendation for council to formally write to the State Government seeking a commitment on four key points regarding the O’Shea Road project including undertaking a noise impact assessment.
It also asks for “best practice noise mitigation” measures to be applied including low noise pavement treatments, roadway design and signage, replacement tree planting and any “other methods which will assist in reducing noise and visual amenity concerns”.
Finally, council will request the State Government to engage with affected residents regarding traffic management planning and offer “sound attenuation treatments” to affected homes.
“In considering the issues at hand I am aware that this does have a long history – that the area was always proposed as a road reservation for an expanded number of lanes,” Ms Duff said.
“We are wanting to advocate to the State Government to see some improvements here and will ensure that that letter is sent to the Minister as soon as possible.”
According to residents of the estate, which is located behind Eden Rise Shopping Centre, they were dismayed by MRPV’s response during a public meeting in January that noise barriers wouldn’t be required after being told “the policy doesn’t require us to”.
MRPV program director Ray Paterson has maintained it has spoken to residents extensively throughout the planning stages of the project, including holding regular information sessions.
“Upgrading O’Shea Road to three lanes in each direction and extending it to join the Beaconsfield interchange is vital for keeping up with the rapid growth of Melbourne’s southeast,” he said.
“The upgrade will improve traffic flow and travel times and make it easier for local road users to connect directly with the Monash Freeway.
“We will continue to engage with the community and relevant stakeholders throughout the life of the Monash Freeway Upgrade.”
However, the chairman of Affinity owner’s corporation committee, Michel Suttie, said while residents were thankful for council’s advocacy, they were disappointed a council report stated council was in favour of a six-lane proposal which “will cater for the Casey population more broadly”.
He said the project would be akin to the latest upgrade to Thompsons Road in the southeast which he described as a “major freight arterial”.
“The State Government, it appears can place six lanes of traffic right up to anyone’s back yard without even advising you that they are doing it,” he said.
According to Mr Suttie, a section hidden within the documentation of the Minta Farm Stocklands development in Berwick, which is currently under construction, shows the Victorian Planning Authority had provided advice and community feedback for O’Shea Road to consist of four lanes – however, “a ‘panel’ changed the upgrade to six lanes with no community feedback or consultation”.
“If it is thought residents affected are going to slink away and desist, they can think again. This whole project proposal has been progressed in secret.”
In April, works began to locate underground services, such as electricity, gas and water that run alongside Greaves Road and O’Shea Road, between Domain Drive and Soldiers Road – as part of early construction planning and design for O’Shea Road.
