consultation!report! level!crossing!removal! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! project · 2016-05-18 ·...

Consultation report Level Crossing Removal Project Caulfield to Dandenong

Level Crossing Removal Authority CD9 consultation report | 2

Table of contents INTRODUCTION ......................................................................................................................................... 3

PROJECT OVERVIEW ........................................................................................................................................... 3 CONSULTATION OBJECTIVES ................................................................................................................................ 3 SNAPSHOT OF ENGAGEMENT TO DATE (AS AT OCTOBER 2015) ................................................................................. 4

CHAPTER ONE: COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT ............................................................................................. 5 POP UP INFORMATION STANDS ............................................................................................................................ 5

INTERACTIVE COMMUNITY FEEDBACK SESSIONS (ICFS) ROUND ONE ......................................................... 7 ABOUT ICFS -‐ ROUND ONE ................................................................................................................................. 8 ICFS FEEDBACK SUMMARY ............................................................................................................................... 13 METHOD ....................................................................................................................................................... 13 OVERARCHING THEMES .................................................................................................................................... 14 ANALYSIS OF PROJECT AREAS ............................................................................................................................. 16

Area 1A: Grange Road and Koornang Road, Carnegie ........................................................................... 16 Area 1B: Murrumbeena Road, Murrumbeena and Poath Road, Hughesdale ........................................ 19 Area 2: Centre Road and Clayton Road, Clayton .................................................................................... 21 Area 3: Corrigan Road, Heatherton Road and Chandler Road, Noble Park ............................................ 23

HOW THIS FEEDBACK WILL BE USED .................................................................................................................... 25 NEXT STEPS .................................................................................................................................................... 25

CHAPTER TWO: TRADER ENGAGEMENT .................................................................................................. 26 ABOUT TRADER ENGAGEMENT – ROUND ONE ....................................................................................................... 26 METHOD ....................................................................................................................................................... 29 OVERARCHING THEMES .................................................................................................................................... 29 ANALYSIS OF PROJECT AREAS ............................................................................................................................. 31

Area 1A: Grange Road and Koornang Road ........................................................................................... 31 Area 1B: Murrumbeena Road, Murrumbeena and Poath Road, Hughesdale ........................................ 32 Area 2: Clayton Road and Centre Road, Clayton .................................................................................... 34 Area 3: Corrigan Road, Heatherton Road and Chandler Road, Noble Park ............................................ 36

TRADER MEETINGS ........................................................................................................................................... 38 URBAN DESIGN PRINCIPLES ............................................................................................................................... 38 HOW WILL THIS FEEDBACK BE USED .................................................................................................................... 38 NEXT STEPS .................................................................................................................................................... 38

CHAPTER THREE: COMMUNITY TENDER ADVISORY PANEL (CTAP) ........................................................... 39 CTAP MEETINGS ............................................................................................................................................. 39 CTAP MEETING SUMMARY ............................................................................................................................... 40

CHAPTER FOUR: COUNCIL ENGAGEMENT ................................................................................................ 41 COUNCIL URBAN DESIGN WORKSHOP .................................................................................................................. 41 COUNCIL BRIEFINGS ......................................................................................................................................... 41 COUNCIL RFP WORKSHOPS ............................................................................................................................... 42

ATTACHMENTS ........................................................................................................................................ 43 IMAGES FROM CARNEGIE AND CLAYTON SESSIONS ................................................................................................ 43 NEWSLETTERS ................................................................................................................................................. 45


Introduction

This document provides a summary of feedback and outcomes from community and stakeholder engagement activities for the Level Crossing Removal Project: Caulfield to Dandenong. This is an open document, to be continually updated as various activities are carried out. The procurement for the project is through a competitive alliance process. This report have been provided to bidders to consider in the development of their bids. This report provides analysis and key themes from community and stakeholder engagement activities. All raw data from each consultation activity has been made available for bidders to review and consider.

Project overview The Level Crossing Removal Project: Caulfield to Dandenong will remove nine level crossings on the Cranbourne-‐Pakenham line between Caulfield and Dandenong by late 2018, including:

§ Grange Road, Carnegie § Koornang Road, Carnegie § Murrumbeena Road, Murrumbeena § Poath Road, Hughesdale § Clayton Road, Clayton § Centre Road, Clayton § Corrigan Road, Noble Park § Heatherton Road, Noble Park § Chandler Road, Noble Park

The significant package of works will also deliver rebuilt stations at Carnegie, Murrumbeena, Hughesdale and Clayton; as well as associated power and signalling upgrades.

Consultation objectives § To provide clarity and certainty to community members and stakeholders regarding the scope,

timing and funding of the project.

§ To explain clearly that the Level Crossing Removal Project: Caulfield to Dandenong is an entirely separate project to the unsolicited proposal submitted in 2014 by a private consortium.

§ To raise awareness of possible design options, including solutions involving rail over/under and road over/under and to challenge preconceptions around ‘conventional’ grade separation solutions.

§ To allow the greatest number of community members and stakeholders the opportunity to participate in gaining understanding about the Level Crossing Removal Project.

§ To allow the greatest number of community members and stakeholders the opportunity to provide feedback about these projects to be used during the procurement phase.


Snapshot of engagement to date (as at October 2015)


Chapter one: Community engagement

Pop up information stands The Level Crossing Removal Authority (LXRA) continues to host ‘pop-‐up’ information stands along the project corridor. This involves staff at train stations and local shopping strips near the level crossing removal sites providing information and gathering feedback in person with locals and commuters. Between June and August 2015, LXRA held 17 pop ups along the corridor as well as trader drop-‐ins, speaking with hundreds of people at each session. A further six are planned for October and November. During June to September 2015, the project team popped up at the following locations:

§ Carnegie Railway Station § Murrumbeena Railway Station § Hughesdale Railway Station § Clayton Railway Station § Chandler Road, Noble Park § Heatherton Road, Noble Park § Centre Road, Clayton § Dandenong Railway Station § Oakleigh Railway Station § Poath Road, outside Hughesdale Railway Station § Sandown Park Railway Station § Westall Railway Station § Douglas Street, Noble Park § Caulfield Railway Station § Carnegie Railway Station § Clayton Road shopping precinct § Yarraman Railway Station

Feedback received at pop-‐ups General comments People in all areas said that the project can’t happen soon enough. LXRA staff heard various stories of people waiting at each of the level crossings for sometimes up to an hour. There have been a number of projects to upgrade the rail corridor promised in the past, and locals as well as train commuters said it is good to see one finally going ahead. There were also a lot of comments suggesting that the project should be delivering a third and fourth track so that freight, Metro and V/Line each have dedicated tracks. Many community members were concerned that the project did not have allocated funding, and therefore would not go ahead. This is due to the media coverage of the Port of Melbourne lease, and the affect it will


have on the delivery of the overarching LXRP. The project team assured the community that funding for the Caulfield to Dandenong package has been allocated in the budget, and a tender process has commenced. There was a lot of misinformation about the project scope – that some stations/level crossings were being removed while others weren’t. Community members and businesses were interested in when construction at each site would begin. Many enquiries regarding the rail/road design solution were received. The project team advised that designs were being developed as part of the tender process and community feedback would be sought before contract award. From the outset of consultation, the project team made it clear that all design solutions would be considered. The team will continue to host pop-‐up sessions throughout the project. Site specific Please note that these are one-‐off comments from individuals during pop-‐up sessions and do not indicate any recurring themes. Carnegie

§ Suggestions that the community garden to the east of Carnegie Station on Woorayl Street should be retained.

§ Requests for construction methodology to be released early, as businesses on Woorayl Street believe that construction parking will disrupt businesses and cause them to close permanently.

§ A coffee shop on Moreton Road across from Carnegie Station is concerned that a rail over solution may block light from their outdoor area.

Murrumbeena

§ A number of community members requested the station building be protected if possible. § The oak trees to the east of Murrumbeena Station should be retained. § Questions were raised about what would happen to the VicTrack leased properties to the north of

Murrumbeena Station (Neerim Road). Advice was that this is a new project, and we’ll work closely with businesses as the project progresses.

Hughesdale

§ Almost everyone asked when the project was starting § The most common issue expressed was parking – residents want more space for car parks in the

area so that people don’t park on their local streets. § A lot of people discussed the high-‐rise apartments being built in the area, resulting in more people

and fewer car parks available. § Hughesdale Station rebuild is seen as a great opportunity – people in the area said that they see it

as one of the worst and say it is not safe at the moment as it is not well lit. § Rail commuters said that the trains are always too full. § Residents in Barkly Street and Kangaroo Road said that they have to wait a long time to get out of

their streets and out of Warrigal Road and they are concerned about traffic management during construction.


Clayton § Location of the station at Clayton Road was raised, and community members were advised that

designs were yet to be developed but previous and current community feedback will be considered during development.

§ Some traders near Centre Road said that they wait for up to seven trains to go past while trying to get to work.

§ The queue for the level crossing goes all the way down the street in the mornings and is ‘one of the worst’.

§ Pedestrians keen to be able to cross the road at Centre Road. § Provided information on community information sessions – some community members from

Centre Road came along to the Noble Park session.

Noble Park § People suggested that traffic calming devices should be installed on Railway Parade (north of rail

corridor) as road users drive erratically around this area. § Community members questioned whether the roundabout to the south of the rail corridor would

be removed, as it creates a lot of congestion. § People want the pedestrian access to Memorial Park improved.

Interactive Community Feedback Sessions (ICFS) Round One

The Interactive Community Feedback Sessions (ICFS) are a series of interrelated activities and events that allow community members to participate and further their understanding of the Project and provide feedback that is used by bidders during the development of designs. The ICFS also provide for a series of ‘Community Catch-‐Ups’ allowing the project to ‘report back’ after various consultation processes have taken place along the corridor. These Community Catch-‐Up sessions are designed to let people what know we have heard from each of the local communities, how their feedback is being used, and ‘check in’ to see that the feedback is still relevant. The project also established a Community Tender Advisory Panel (CTAP), with community representatives comprised of local businesses, community groups, school principals and residents providing feedback on aspects of the tender designs on behalf of the wider community. This group will continue until the project is awarded. After this stage, a Stakeholder Liaison Group will be established are being established for the construction stage of the project. The group will meet regularly with project teams to provide feedback, and have an important role to share information. Further information on CTAP is provided in Chapter Three.


About ICFS -‐ Round One Round one of the ICFS ran from June to the end of August 2015 and focused on urban design and understanding what’s important to the local communities along the project corridor. This included preparing for the ICFS through a workshop with councils and other stakeholders, interactive community sessions and online engagement via Social Pinpoint (a tool where people can ‘pin’ comments on a map). Image one: Carnegie ICFS

Council urban design workshop This workshop was developed to give the opportunity for local councils to contribute to the development of the Project’s Urban Design Principles prior to seeking community feedback. These principles have been developed to guide the shortlisted bidders in the development of their designs and will also be used by LXRA to assess the urban design outcome of both bids. Further information on the workshop and other council engagement is provided in Chapter Four. Interactive community sessions LXRA hosted seven ‘drop-‐in’ interactive community sessions between Caulfield and Dandenong during weekday afternoons/evenings and weekends. These sessions provided the opportunity for communities and stakeholders to provide information on what is important to them in their communities, in order to inform the design of each of the bidders. People were also provided with a clear picture of how their feedback would be used and encouraged to feel empowered to talk, giving feedback on a wide range of issues, such as the look and feel of the project and what that means for their area. These sessions were a ‘drop in’ format, where people could take part in activities to have their say, as well as online, using a Social Pinpoint map to pin what is important to them in their area.


The sessions attracted 313 participants over the following locations and dates:

It’s important to note that while the majority of people attended sessions closest to home, each session also attracted participants from other areas of the project corridor (for example, Noble Park locals at Clayton sessions, Murrumbeena locals at Carnegie sessions and so on) as those times may have been more convenient for those individuals. Maps for all areas were available at each session. People who couldn’t attend were encouraged to provide their input online via Social Pinpoint, which was taken up by many, with over 1,500 individual responses received. A number of attendees also represented various community groups, and they were able to take the Social Pinpoint web address back to their groups to provide collective feedback. Promotion for ICFS round one The ICFS were promoted via the following channels:

§ A newsletter to 104,500 households directing people to the LXRA website for information on timing and venues

§ Information on the LXRA website § Advertising for three weeks in the local Leader newspapers (one week prior and two weeks during

the sessions) § Advertising for two weeks on Herald Sun/Leader website § Footpath signs at train stations (at the level crossing pedestrian crossing) one week prior to the

second week of sessions § Posters at train stations one week leading up to, and during the two week period of the events § Posters provided to councils, who placed them at local libraries and municipal offices § DL cards dropped at cafes and shops close to level crossings in each precinct

Level crossing location

Venue

Date

Time Number of attendees

Carnegie

Carnegie Library

Tuesday 4 August 6pm -‐8.30pm

85

Clayton

Clayton Hall Wednesday 5 August

5pm -‐ 8pm

30

Murrumbeena

Murrumbeena Pavilion

Thursday 6 August

5pm -‐ 8pm

23

Clayton

Clayton Hall

Saturday 8 August

9.30am – 12.30pm

25

Glen Huntly

Glen Huntly Park Function Centre

Wednesday 12 August

5pm -‐ 8pm

22

Noble Park

Sandown Park Hotel

Thursday 13 August

5pm -‐ 8pm

31

Carnegie Carnegie Library

Saturday 15 August

9am –12pm

97


§ Pop-‐up session at Centre Road, Clayton § LXRA Facebook page posts – one week prior to the sessions and a reminder the day of each session § Metro Train Melbourne, Melbourne Metro Rail Project and PTV Twitter feeds

Urban Design Principles Urban design takes into consideration not only buildings, but the way the community uses and moves around an area whether it be by foot, by car, or by accessing public transport. As described above (see Council urban design workshop), the project team has worked with local councils to develop the project’s Urban Design Principles. These principles have been a guide for bidders in the development of their proposals and will also be used as an assessment tool for LXRA to assess each of the proposed designs. Information about the Urban Design Principles was also presented at the community information sessions, with each area commenting on each principle. These have all been incorporated into the community feedback to the bidders, so they can also understand what is important to communities in more detail. The Urban Design Principles for the Level Crossing Removal Project: Caulfield to Dandenong include:

§ Identity § Connectivity and Wayfinding § Urban Integration § Resilience and Sustainability § Amenity § Vibrancy § Safety § Accessibility

Session and feedback format Community members were greeted when entering the venue and taken through the various elements of the session. These included the following: Information gallery Information boards placed in a gallery style explained to participants various details about the project, including the planning, consultation and procurement process and how their feedback will inform the procurement process. This provided people with context on where the project is up to and how their feedback is important in shaping the designs. Urban design around the world Here participants could view images of transport projects around the world and how they link to the Project’s Urban Design Principles. Urban design specialists helped to show people through principles and examples and to ask people -‐ what could these principles look like in their area? Community members then provided responses, which were provided on post-‐it notes underneath each principle. Localised level crossing removal site maps This activity allowed participants to map their journeys as well as tell the Project what they love, what they dislike and any ideas for improvements in the area. They were also asked: if you could make one improvement to the area through this project, what would it be? Facilitators here would then draw the journey that people take onto the map, recorded answers to questions about improvements, and to place dots with comments on the areas of the map where people like, dislike or have an idea.


Image two: urban design around the world activity at ICFS Image three: mapping comments at ICFS

Online input Laptops were also set up at each session to show people how to provide input online, via Social Pinpoint and Pinterest. They were also able to do this at home via the LXRA website. Image four: online input at ICFS

Social pinpoint During the time sessions were running and two weeks following, people were able to have their say online, using a Social Pinpoint map to pin what is important to them in their area and provide comments (https://levelcrossings.ourcommunitymap.com/cd9) Users could select one of the following categories and pin their comments on a specific point on a map:

§ Loved by the community § Protect this area § This area is a problem § Opportunity to improve § Development opportunity § General comments

This was following councils providing their input in the weeks leading up to the community sessions.

Pinterest The Level Crossing Removal Authority Pinterest board included urban design examples, with pictures uploaded to reflect the Urban Design Principles board. Staff here took people through these pictures to show them how they can then create their own accounts and like or comment on these pictures. See www.pinterest.com/levelcrossings


Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) Communities Each of the sessions included translation services available as well as translated fact sheets for CALD communities to ensure that the sessions were as inclusive as possible. The details of the sessions were also advertised in the following CALD publications:

§ 21st Century Chinese News (Chinese) § The Australian Chinese Age (Chinese) § Vision China Times Vic (Chinese) § Ta Nea (Greek) § Il Globo (Italian) § Horizon (Russian) § Ti Vi Tuan San (Vietnamese) § Viet Times (Vietnamese)

Discussing design options

At each community engagement event, LXRA clearly explained to people that the designs for the level crossing removals will not reflect the designs prepared for the previous unsolicited proposal and that the Caulfield-‐Dandenong project should be considered as an entirely separate project. The LXRA team consistently provided the message that the Caulfield-‐Dandenong project is starting with a clean slate regarding the designs for each site. They explained that there are a number of options to consider at each site, all of which have been considered through the tender process, and that they may include a variation of the following:

§ Rail under road – lowering the rail line under the road § Rail over road – building a rail bridge over the road § Road over rail – building a road bridge over the rail line § Road under rail – lowering the road under the rail line.

The authority also explained that by applying the Urban Design Principles (see page 10) to each of the potential design solutions, they can provide great outcomes for locals, including:

§ Better connectivity for pedestrians and road users § Improved safety by removing the interface between road and rail § Potential for revitalising the precinct and encouraging community gathering § Increased residential and commercial development opportunities, including cafes, restaurants,

shops and community areas.


ICFS Feedback Summary Image five: examples of feedback

Method Feedback was collected via the following inputs:

§ Social Pinpoint – community dropped pins § Comments on level crossing removal site maps at each session § Urban Design Principles activity post-‐it notes § Feedback forms § Email feedback

This was then collated into the one system of raw data. This information was provided directly to the bidders (with personal information removed) so that they can review the data accurately. The following information is a report on key trends, so it’s important to note that bidders will need to review all of the individual responses to understand the specific details of each comment, including locations on the map.


Images six: most common words used in feedback

Overarching themes By collating the overarching themes for the entire project, we are able to understand more broadly what people’s interests and concerns are. This can assist the project team for future planning when communicating with the broader corridor (rather than by area). There was universal positivity around the removal of level crossings. Image seven: top five themes

1. Station and rail designs and locations People across all areas had a strong interest in the design of stations. Within this theme, feedback related to:

§ Mixed use development, with suggestions to build cafes and shops in and around stations, childcare centres, residential development, pedestrian access.

§ Community connectivity: linking stations with shops and bicycle paths, mini bus services and letting bikes onto buses.

§ Construction impacts: with people concerned about how stations, local businesses and services would be impacted during construction.

§ Consideration of rail-‐over and rail-‐under design solutions: some suggested stations and tracks be lowered, while others suggested a heightened rail track to gain more corridor parkland.

§ Future-‐proofing: ensuring it’s possible to build a third and fourth rail track.


2. Safety Safety was a key topic for people in all communities, both as a current issue and as an opportunity for improvement in the area. Feedback on safety related to:

§ Bicycle and pedestrian safety, and opportunities for improved bicycle and pedestrian connections and crossings.

§ Safer access to and from schools. § Safer drop off areas for buses. § Improvements to lighting at stations. § Police and Public Safety Officers (PSOs) – reducing the need for police or providing more of a police

presence and PSOs. § Making better use of open space to improve safety and provide passive surveillance. § Using glass elements in the design of stations, such as lifts for transparency. § Disability access.

3. Parking At all level crossing sites, parking was a popular topic. Comments and ideas included:

§ More car parking needed, including suggestions for potential parking locations. § Providing secure bicycle parking. § Access restrictions and traffic management in car parks during construction. § Access for buses and pedestrians. § Car park security.

4. Bicycle and pedestrian connections and access There is a strong desire across the entire corridor to use this project as a catalyst to improve bicycle and pedestrian facilities. Suggestions included:

§ Enabling more pedestrian crossings with elevated rail. § Building bike and walking trails along the rail alignment. § Improving condition of current connections, including the EastLink Trail. § Filling in the bicycle ‘gap’ between Clayton and Oakleigh and extending to connect from Caulfield to

Dandenong. 5. Identity and open space People feel a strong connection to their local identity, particularly through any parkland and open space. This emerged as a key topic throughout the ICFS as well as on Social Pinpoint across the project corridor. This included:

§ A strong desire to protect the trees in their local areas. § Ideas and opportunities to improve open space. § Finding ways in the design to increase open space. § Careful consideration of any development, so that open space and identity is not lost.


Analysis of project areas The nine level crossing removals and four stations to be rebuilt are split into three distinct geographical areas, consistent with the language used by proponents currently bidding on the Project. Participants were interested in discussing the level crossings and stations close to their own areas, and similar issues were also raised for locations close to each other, so these have been grouped accordingly. These include:

§ Area 1: Grange Road and Koornang Road, Carnegie; Murrumbeena Road, Murrumbeena and Poath Road, Hughesdale

§ Area 2: Centre Road and Clayton Road, Clayton § Area 3: Corrigan Road, Heatherton Road and Chandler Road, Noble Park

During consultation, feedback received in relation to Area 1 was generally split into two areas, with the Carnegie section separated from Murrumbeena and Hughesdale. For this reason, this report splits Area 1 into 1A and 1B. Area 1A: Grange Road and Koornang Road, Carnegie Image eight: Social Pinpoint map of feedback areas for Carnegie


Loved by the community and to be protected

Participants spoke fondly of their local areas, with a lot of community pride and appreciation for Carnegie’s character, including the railway station. Open space and mature gumtrees are important role to many community members, and feedback was received requesting the project protect local possums and birds. There is also a community garden to the east of Carnegie Station on Woorayl Street that locals would like to retain. People were very keen to protect the north-‐south pedestrian movement via the underpass, which they said provides easy access to shops. They also want to ensure that local shops and cafes are retained and integrated with the station where possible. Issues and opportunities for improvements People who attended the Carnegie sessions had many issues with car parking – locals said that new apartments increase pressure on nearby parking and that cars are parking across driveways and local streets. Feedback suggested that the commuter carpark at Carnegie Station fills up before 8am. Green open space near Carnegie Station has resulted in mud paths, making it difficult for pedestrians. People suggested improving this area and incorporating low-‐maintenance planting into station design. Many comments were also made around the underpass flooding. Pedestrians would like more room to get around in Carnegie, with suggestions for crossings between Carnegie and Murrumbeena stations which would encourage walking to nearby schools. Cyclists would like better bicycle path links and access, including integration with Scotchman’s Creek Trail. A significant number of people commented on the need to consider population growth and allowing for additional rail tracks in the future, potentially for longer distance express trains. There was a mixed response on preference towards design solutions – while some community members were concerned about noise and visual impacts from a rail or road over solution, others suggested that a rail overpass would allow for better connections for pedestrians and cyclists and could allow for more rail corridor parkland. While many spoke in positive terms of the shopping precinct, others had suggestions to use the project as a catalyst to make the shopping area more vibrant and unified. People also had suggestions to improve the area and make it a better place to be.


Urban Design Principles Carnegie community members provided comments on each of the principles, with the most interest in Carnegie’s identity.

For more information on Urban Design Principles, see page 10 Comments from Carnegie


Area 1B: Murrumbeena Road, Murrumbeena and Poath Road, Hughesdale Image nine: Social Pinpoint map of feedback areas for Murrumbeena and Hughesdale

Loved by the community and to be protected The Murrumbeena community has a tremendous connection to the history of the area. Participants made it clear that they want to retain the historic character of the area. In particular, people would like to see the footbridge protected and the historic station infrastructure retained or repurposed. The bicycle and pedestrian crossing near the Rosstown Rail Trail near Poath Road is also strongly valued. There is a strong sense of identity and connection with the ‘village’ feel of Murrumbeena, as well as the natural environment, with particular mention of the River Red Gum trees – many locals have indicated that they would like to see the trees protected as much as possible. Issues and opportunities for improvements The main areas considered a problem for people in Murrumbeena and Hughesdale included access to shops, parking, traffic and safety issues for bicycles and pedestrians. At Poath Road, people were delighted about rebuilding Hughesdale Station, which some feel is unsafe and very outdated. Others said that Murrumbeena does not have enough activity on Friday nights and on the weekend, and that restaurants on Murrumbeena Road struggle because of the lack of parking. There were also suggestions for better lighting to improve safety.


Cyclists and pedestrians would like better connections from north to south of Murrumbeena, as well as safety improvements for intersections such as Railway Parade and Murrumbeena Road as well as Neerim Road and Murrumbeena Road. There are a lot of traffic bottlenecks and issues with merging and weaving, and fears that there may be rat-‐running during construction. Many people complained that there are apartments without sufficient parking, which leads to people parking on residential streets and blocking driveways. While some people would like car parks to be turned into parkland, they hope that there are still enough car parks provided to alleviate this problem. People suggested development opportunities to bring more residential activity, while improving lighting and opening the area up for passive surveillance. Urban Design Principles Community members provided comments on each of the principles, with the most interest in Murrumbeena and Hughesdale’s urban integration.

For more information on Urban Design Principles, see page 10 Comments from Murrumbeena and Hughesdale


Area 2: Centre Road and Clayton Road, Clayton Image ten: Social Pinpoint map of feedback areas for Clayton

Loved by the community and to be protected The Clayton community appreciate their Asian supermarkets and great places to eat. They want to preserve the ‘bush feel’ and keep or replant trees – especially gum trees. A lone pine near Clayton Road is also important to veterans in the area. The Avenue of Honour along Carinish Road is important, and locals would like to see this protected with the possibility of planting more trees. The bus stop for the Clayton Road shops was mentioned many times as being well-‐used and would like it to be retained. Access to the Monash Health medical precinct is very important. Drivers would also like to keep the access from Haughton Road to Clayton Road and Carinish Road. Mary Street is seen as a pedestrian friendly street that the Clayton community would like to protect. Issues and opportunities for improvements Many Clayton community members mentioned the needs of the ageing population as well as disability access in the area – they would like any opportunities for aged care facilities as well as more disabled parking access and facilities, particularly during construction. Connections to the Monash Health medical precinct are also important, with suggestions for a pedestrian link from Mary Street to the hospital. Noise was another key issue, with people saying they can’t hear announcements at Clayton Station and that noise from the rail makes it difficult to sit on Clayton Road and enjoy a coffee. There were a lot of suggestions to improve bicycle paths and footpaths for safer cycling and more connections. Parking was an issue, with suggestions to link pedestrian access with station parking. People feel unsafe in some areas and would like more lighting.


Feedback regarding development opportunities included suggestions for a multi-‐storey integrated mixed-‐use development, with station forecourt, town square to add a more substantial public space to the Clayton shopping centre. Many people suggested developing shops and offices to make Clayton a hub. Although open space is welcome, there were many comments about wasted space that is used as a dumping ground for rubbish that could be improved. They would also like more parkland and barbeque facilities. There was a strong desire for solar generated lighting, water tanks and solar panels to be used where possible. People also suggested creating a boulevard along Clayton Road, with the station redevelopment contributing to achieving this outcome with large canopy street trees and high quality pedestrian environment. Some people suggested a station underground and a bus station above ground. Others suggested building above ground with a creative design solution. Other people were also interested in artistic landmark developments, using distinctive architecture to integrate with the station. Urban Design Principles Community members provided comments on each of the principles, with the most interest in Clayton’s vibrancy.

For more information on Urban Design Principles, see page 10 Comments from Clayton


Area 3: Corrigan Road, Heatherton Road and Chandler Road, Noble Park Image eleven: Social Pinpoint map of feedback areas for Noble Park

Loved by the community and to be protected The Noble Park communities showed a strong appreciation for Ross Reserve, which has a new skate park and aquatic centre that bring about positive community interactions. The Noble Park RSL is much loved, as is Memorial Park. People also value the shopping precinct at Douglas Street, which is well used by many locals. The open space at Heatherton Road and Mons Parade is very important to people in the area and they want to see it protected. Some commented that remnant River Red Gum trees define the corridor, with significant trees linked to the history of the area. A community planting project has also been aiming to reintroduce native plants along the rail corridor since 1989. People would like to see these trees protected, as well as an RSL lone pine. They would like to retain pedestrian connections along the north and south of the rail corridor, with links between residents and schools. Pedestrian connections between schools and Chandler Road were also raised as an important issue. There is an opportunity to improve pedestrian access and development opportunities with the Melbourne Racing Club's future master planning options on the northern side of Sandown Station, which locals would like to see remain.


Issues and opportunities for improvements Issues related mostly to current congestion and a need to improve accessibility, particularly for pedestrians and cyclists. Community members want to see improved pedestrian access to Ross Reserve and safe crossings for cyclists. Pedestrian access to Noble Park Secondary College was also an issue that locals would like resolved. Cyclists feel unsafe travelling between Douglas Street and Railway Parade (which is part of the main cycle route between Noble Park and Dandenong Activity Centres). At Heatherton Road, community members questioned whether the roundabout to the south of the rail corridor would be removed, as it is perceived to create a lot of congestion. There were also many comments around the lack of clear signage, causing confusion for people. People suggested creating a connected shared use path or rail trail for the corridor, as well as safe crossing points for cyclists and pedestrians. On Chandler Road, it was suggested that traffic calming devices should be installed on Railway Parade (north of rail corridor). Connections to the local shopping centre on Railway Parade could be improved, with current traffic movements described as convoluted. Noble Park communities embraced this as an opportunity to improve the atmosphere of these areas, particularly through improvements for pedestrians, shoppers and cyclists as well as improving open space and engaging young people with projects such as local artwork as part of the project. Urban Design Principles Community members provided comments on each of the principles, with the most interest in Noble Park’s amenity, connectivity and wayfinding and urban integration.

For more information on Urban Design Principles, see page 10 Comments from Noble Park


How this feedback will be used While this report provides a summary of the key themes and issues, there are many detailed comments that will also be considered. The two shortlisted bidders have been provided all raw data collected by LXRA, including comments from Social Pinpoint, the activities at the ICFS, emails and feedback forms. This information is being considered by both proponents in the development of their designs.

Next steps Using the community feedback received, bidders are developing designs for the nine level crossing removals and four station rebuilds over the coming months. The ICFS – round two is a ‘report back’, where LXRA continues to connect with communities along the corridor and provide them with information on what we’ve heard, what potential designs could include and the next steps. In addition to this, outcomes from the Community Tender Advisory Panel and trader surveys and workshops are also provided to the bidders. See chapters three and four for more information. Further community feedback will be sought on draft designs before a contract is awarded in early 2016.


Chapter Two: Trader Engagement

The trader engagement activities are a series of workshops and briefings that allow traders to engage with the project, further their understanding of the project, and provide valuable feedback about how businesses along the project corridor operate. The activities are also designed to seek feedback about what is important to traders in their local areas, and identify potential opportunities for improvement as part of the project.

The project team is also engaging with traders who hold leases to operate businesses in VicTrack owned property that may be impacted by the project.

All feedback received as part of trader engagement activities is provided directly to the bidding teams for consideration in the development of business impact mitigation strategies.

About trader engagement – round one

The objective of engaging with traders was to establish a relationship with business owners and operators along the corridor, raise project awareness and identify and engage with potentially impacted traders. Importantly, the project team also sought to gain feedback on how businesses at each of the level crossing removal sites operate. This information has been provided to the bidding teams to develop their business impact mitigation strategies. To facilitate this objective, the project team coordinated a range of activities as follows:

§ Trader e-‐News § Trader drop ins § Trader workshops § Trader survey – available hardcopy and online § Social Pinpoint – promoted as trader-‐specific via the project website and survey § Exclusive briefings with impacted traders, the landlord and lease manager.

Trader groups were identified as three separate categories as follows:

Type of trader Extent of impact Engagement activity Directly impacted traders Directly impacted traders are traders:

§ operating in VicTrack property where the lease may need to be terminated

§ operating in VicTrack property where the lease is due for renewal

§ access to business will be restricted due to construction activities

§ Exclusive project briefing with project team, landlord and lease manager

§ Trader workshops § Trader survey


Indirectly impacted traders Indirectly impacted traders are those which may be impacted by construction activities such as:

§ Closure of on-‐street car spaces § Redirection of traffic § Increased traffic due to closure of

the rail corridor § Changes in pedestrian

movements

§ Trader workshops § Trader survey § Project briefings to

local traders associations

Non-‐impacted traders Traders whose business will not be impacted by the project, but may have an interest in the project.

§ Trader workshops § Trader survey § Project briefings to

local traders associations

Image 1: snapshot of feedback provided by traders along the project corridor


Trader workshops

LXRA hosted four trader workshops between Caulfield and Dandenong as follows:

§ Carnegie Library: Tuesday, 1 September 2015

§ Noble Park Aquatic Centre: Thursday, 3 September 2015

§ Murrumbeena Pavilion: Tuesday, 8 September 2015

§ Clayton Community Centre: Wednesday, 9 September 2015

The workshops were hosted in locations to promote attendance by traders at a

The workshops attracted 40 participants along the following locations and dates:

Carnegie 1 September

Noble Park 3 September

Murrumbeena 8 September

Clayton 9 September

15

4

11

10

The workshops were designed to provide information about the project including scope and time frames, explain the Project’s development and application of the Urban Design Principles in examining every possible option for the removal of the level crossing, and let traders know that the Government will explore integrated development opportunities as part of the Project.

As with all aspects of the consultation process, the consideration of all design solutions (rail/road/over/under) was clearly explained.

With this in mind, the workshops were structured as follows:

§ Brief presentation about project scope, key project milestones, urban design and development opportunities

§ Facilitated discussion around key opportunities, concerns and points for clarification

§ Map station x 2: Maps of the local level crossing sites were displayed and traders were asked to provide operational information about how they use the area, what their business operational hours were, what they love about the area, what causes them concern. Traders were also asked to identify opportunities on the second map, suggestions included reconnecting roads and multi-‐deck car parking

§ Urban design around the world: Here participants could view images of level crossing removal projects around the world and how they link to the Project’s Urban Design Principles. Urban design specialists helped to show traders through principles and examples and to ask people – what could these principles look like in their area? Traders then provided responses, which were captured on post-‐it notes underneath each principle.

Promotion of trader workshops

The trader workshops were promoted via the following channels:

§ Invitation: hand delivered to all traders at each of the Project’s nine level crossing removal sites

§ Briefings to local traders associations

§ Information on the LXRA website


Method Feedback was collected via the following inputs:

§ Social Pinpoint – community dropped pins online

§ Comments on level crossing removal site maps at each workshop

§ Urban Design Principles activity post-‐it notes

§ Online and hardcopy trader surveys

§ Email feedback

This was then collated into the one system of raw data. The information was provided directly to the bidders (with personal information removed) so that they can consider the feedback when developing their bids. Bidders will need to review all of the individual responses to understand the specific details of each comment, including locations on the map. The following information is a report on key trends identified during the trader engagement.

Overarching themes By collecting the overarching themes for the entire project, we are able to understand more broadly what trader’s interests and concerns are.

1. Disruptions to road and rail

Disruptions was a key topic for traders, and included concerns around disruptions to the road and rail network during construction and the flow-‐on affect for surrounding businesses. Importantly, traders also provided feedback around existing conditions and how the level crossing sites currently affect their businesses.

Feedback on disruptions included:

§ Existing conditions: the level crossings cause disruptions to traders, with staff often late due to the boom gates being down, as well as delays to deliveries. Many traders advised that customers will alter their shopping methods to avoid the level crossings, which can adversely impact businesses.

§ During construction: traders would like more information about road and rail closures. Feedback reported concerns that long-‐term road closures would impact accessibility to their shopfront and subsequently drive customers away. Traders are also concerned as to the extent of impact to their business during construction, and would like to further understand noise and vibration impacts during the busiest construction periods. The majority of traders would prefer for major construction activities to be carried out at night, so as to avoid disruption during business hours.

2. Parking

Parking was a major concern for traders at the majority of the level crossing removal sites. Feedback from most traders was that there is currently insufficient on-‐street customer and off-‐street commuter parking, and wherever possible, the project should look to increase car parking. Importantly, traders also provided feedback about how their customers are currently accessing businesses in the area, which was primarily around where customers park.

It is important to note that the project team conveyed to traders that the project’s primary objective is to remove level crossings, and that on-‐street parking for traders is primarily a local government issue, expanding well beyond the rail corridor.

Feedback on parking included:


§ More parking needed: traders advised that more parking at the majority of level crossing sites is needed. Some traders have an elderly customer-‐base and require parking close to their business but insufficient on-‐street parking is provided. Traders also advised that commuter parking at train stations is often at capacity very early in the morning on weekdays, causing commuters to ‘spill out’ on to local roads.

§ Time limit parking: traders suggested that commuter parking should not be all-‐day parking, but perhaps some should be allocated to 1 hour, 2 hour or 3 hour parking.

§ Traders also noted that the project requirement for no net loss of parking across the rail corridor extends only to commuter parking. Traders were concerned at the potential impact the project may have on on-‐street parking near the rail corridor, and asked that any on-‐street parking impacted by the project be off-‐set at an alternate location.

3. Trading hours

A significant amount of feedback was provided regarding individual business’ trading hours. This feedback is important for bidding parties to consider when developing business impact mitigation strategies and construction staging plans.

Feedback received regarding trading hours included:

§ The majority of businesses around the project corridor operate during the day.

§ The project should consider the potential impact to nearby educational institutes and medical facilities. Specifically, Monash Health is particularly close to the project corridor and the Emergency Department operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

§ Construction should be carried out during the evening so as to not impact businesses during the day.

For specific business operating hours, tenderers can refer to the raw data attached to this report.

4. Access

Site-‐specific feedback was received regarding how customers access businesses along the project corridor. This information is extremely location-‐specific and bidding parties should access the raw data attached to this report for this feedback.

Generally, feedback received regarding access included:

§ How customers access businesses

§ Busiest periods of custom – whether that be during the morning, afternoon or evening

§ Operational issues – whether businesses receive deliveries, how those deliveries access the business and what time of day they require access.

Image 2: top four trader feedback themes


Analysis of project areas The project team identified that, while in the early stages of establishing relationships with traders and raising project awareness, engagement activities could be carried out by grouping level crossing sites as generally the geographic location offered one high-‐density trading area with an area of low trading density.

For consistency with bidding parties’ terminology and previous community feedback reporting, project areas have been broken down into four areas: Area 1A, 1B, 2 and 3.

Trader engagement activities were conducted to focus on level crossing sites as follows:

§ Area 1A: Grange Road and Koornang Road level crossing removal sites

§ Area 1B: Murrumbeena Road and Poath Road level crossing removal sites

§ Area 2: Clayton Road and Centre Road level crossing removal sites

§ Area 3: Corrigan Road, Heatherton Road and Chandler Road level crossing removal sites.

Area 1A: Grange Road and Koornang Road The feedback received for this area is primarily focused on Koornang Road, as the comparatively low number of businesses at Grange Road level crossing site meant there was very little feedback received regarding Grange Road.

Koornang Road is seen by traders as a central meeting place for local residents. The trading strip is long and dense, and promotes a village feeling for families. The area is populated by a range of cultures, and the shopping precinct hosts businesses of varying nature including retail, restaurants and services. Given the range of shops and services, the trading hours along the trading strip vary, and include weekdays and weekends. Koornang Road also hosts a number of council facilities such as the playground and Carnegie Library.

Traders in the Carnegie area advised that they have a high elderly customer-‐base, and so accessibility should be a key consideration for the project.

Traders believe that the level crossing site on Koornang Road detracts from the Carnegie area, and discourages customers to travel from afar, instead choosing to shop and utilise services elsewhere so they do not have to travel across the level crossing.

As is reflected in the key themes, parking is an issue at Koornang Road, and traders have acknowledged that customers generally tend to use the supermarket parking towards Dandenong Road and then travel by foot to businesses to the south of the level crossing. On-‐street parking is at capacity, and traders advised that customers are frustrated with the existing number of car parks. Given current parking behaviours, traders have said that pedestrian movements are an important consideration for the project.

Traders around the Carnegie area advised that there are a number of residential developments in the area. Given the increase in population density, traders have asked that the project ensure the design solution give consideration to promoting a safe environment.

Traders have also advised that the population is well-‐educated, informed and passionate about the area. There is an existing cycling and active culture, and the project should consider improving bicycle path connections as much as possible.

Intermodal connectivity is also seen as important as the removal of the level crossing will encourage more customers to the area, and bus and train connections should support this increase in custom.


Image 3: Grange Road and Koornang Road location-‐specific trader feedback

Area 1B: Murrumbeena Road, Murrumbeena and Poath Road, Hughesdale Murrumbeena Road, Murrumbeena

Traders along Murrumbeena Road and on adjoining streets are proud of their community, but find that residents, customers and traders generally tend to stay to one side of the level crossing, which causes a great divide in the community.

The suburb and the businesses within it, create a ‘village’ feel, which is supported by buildings and infrastructure of heritage value to the area. The existing vegetation beautifies the area, and recent planning approvals for high-‐density development will see a significant increase in population in the area in coming years.

Traders have advised that the existing conditions with the level crossing are causing customers frustration, as well as the lack of parking in the area, although the majority of customers arrive at businesses in the area by car.


It is reported that the Murrumbeena Station car park is at capacity by as early as 8am on weekdays, and commuters are using local streets to park and then commute to work. Traders believe that people are not willing to travel across the level crossing to reach their business, so they believe they are losing business, but the project should resolve this issue once complete.

Traders are concerned about the project’s impact on local businesses, with government-‐owned buildings hosting a number of businesses which attract people to the area. Specifically, traders are worried about impacts to electricity and water supply to their businesses, and claim that, should these services be cut, it would adversely impact on their day-‐to-‐day operations. Traders also said that, should the project impact access to their businesses, significant notice should be given and alternative access arranged.

Businesses on and around the Murrumbeena Road shopping precinct operate throughout the week and on weekends. Generally, most businesses operate during the day, with a few restaurants operating in the evenings.

Trader feedback regarding potential development opportunities for the Murrumbeena precinct is that a mall-‐like solution is not desired. Traders believe the area should retain a village feel, and opportunities should be given to businesses to operate during construction, a time which could potentially bring more custom for the businesses. Ultimately Murrumbeena traders would like to see a design solution that promotes the identity of the area, which has a strong history of artists residing in the area.

Poath Road, Hughesdale

Poath Road, Hughesdale is a medium-‐density shopping strip, with a number of retail shops and services. Traders believe the current position of Hughesdale Station to the east of Poath Road promotes foot traffic north to Chadstone Shopping Centre, which brings custom to businesses on the eastern side of Poath Road.

Businesses along Poath Road are generally operating during the day, but traders advised that they access the business during the evening to prepare for daily operations. Traders are concerned that extended closures of the road at the Poath Road level crossing will have adverse impacts to their business.

The park to the north of the rail line and on the eastern side of Poath Road is well used by local residents, and is a missing link in the local bicycle network. Traders would like to see this area retained and enhanced by the project if possible.

Traders advised that a local retirement village to the south-‐east of Hughesdale Station brings a lot of elderly customers to their businesses, so pedestrian access across the rail corridor is an important consideration for the project. The design solution should look to promote north to south connections, and will increase traffic flow, allowing for easier access to businesses.


Image 4: Murrumbeena Road and Poath Road location-‐specific trader feedback

Area 2: Clayton Road and Centre Road, Clayton Clayton traders are very passionate about the Clayton area. It has been identified as an employment cluster of national significance and the Metropolitan Planning Authority (MPA) is currently undertaking employment cluster and structure planning in the area. More information on the MPA: http://www.mpa.vic.gov.au/

Clayton traders would like to see a design solution that provides a ‘landmark’ and ‘iconic’ building, as Clayton is a significant area that serves a vast population. Traders believe the design solution should not be a standardised one, which is reflected at other areas of the corridor, but reflects the area and identity of Clayton.

Monash Health and Monash University (Clayton Campus) are both located in close proximity to the Clayton Road shopping precinct, but the existing level crossing creates a divide between the two precincts. Traders would like to see the project establish better connections between the areas, and also promote better north-‐south connections for road users and pedestrians.


Feedback from Clayton traders is that parking is a major issue. The car parks on Haughton Road are well-‐used and are the only two-‐hour parking spots for customers to access the area. Therefore, traders would like to see this car park and the connection from Haughton Road to Clayton Road retained.

Clayton traders have also advised that customers have raised concerns around safety in and around the existing Clayton Station. Traders believe that a design solution that promotes a safe area will encourage customers to travel to the area during the evening, ultimately boosting business in the area.

Traders are also concerned about the potential development opportunities the project may deliver, advising that additional commercial development may increase competition and drive existing traders out of business.

Construction impacts are also a concern for traders, who would like to better understand what the impacts will be, and how construction along the corridor will be staged. With that said, traders believe that the Clayton Road and Centre Road level crossings should be removed first (as opposed to the remaining seven level crossing removals as part of the project) due to the close proximity to Monash Health.

Traders are concerned that road and rail closures will decrease foot traffic along Clayton Road, and would appreciate any closures being kept to a minimum.

Traders at Centre Road are concerned that the design solution may adversely impact their business in that a road-‐over solution may ‘hide’ their business from passers-‐by. One business located next to the rail corridor advised it was concerned that construction impacts may see restrictions to the off-‐street parking provided by the business.

Image 5: Clayton Road and Centre Road, Clayton location-‐specific trader feedback


Area 3: Corrigan Road, Heatherton Road and Chandler Road, Noble Park

The Project’s three level crossing removal sites in Noble Park are three vastly different sites, and so feedback has been broken down into site-‐specific feedback.

Corrigan Road

There is only one trader (Noble Cabinets Pty Ltd) near the Corrigan Road level crossing, who operates from 7.45am to 4.15pm Monday to Thursday, and then 7.45am – 2.00pm on Friday (no weekend operations). The business owner also owns the property (92 Corrigan Road, Noble Park).

The business owner recently negotiated for City of Greater Dandenong Council to install ‘KEEP CLEAR’ road signage to allow large trucks to access the property for deliveries, and would like to see this retained during and post-‐construction.

The business owner is concerned about potential construction impacts, including noise and vibration. Generally customers arrive by car, and so any closures to the road network would adversely impact the business and should be kept to a minimum. The business owner does not have a desire for a specific design solution (i.e. rail under / rail over), but instead is looking forward to the benefits to traffic movements the project will deliver.

Heatherton Road

Traders with businesses along Heatherton Road and the adjoining streets acknowledge that Douglas Street is the primary shopping precinct in Noble Park. The area is accessed primarily by pedestrians, with over 80 per cent of customers arriving by foot, and most of those customers are residents of the area.

The majority of businesses in Douglas Street operate during the day, so businesses would like to see construction primarily carried out at night. The Heatherton Road / Douglas Street roundabout intersection causes frustration for customers, with the Heatherton Road level crossing causing cars to ‘bank up’ across the roundabout and block east to west traffic movements.

Traders in the Heatherton Road / Douglas Street shopping area advised that north south movements across the rail corridor are currently serviced via an underpass, which, although well-‐used is not considered safe. The alternative connection is via Heatherton Road at the level crossing, which is also considered unsafe. Traders would like the project to consider improving safety in the area via increased lighting, and increased open space which promotes movements from north to south.

Chandler Road

Traders at Chandler Road generally operate during business hours, with the exception of a coin laundry which is open extended hours.

Traders acknowledge that they are less impacted than other sites as there is no station rebuild associated with the level crossing removal. However, they are still keen to understand what the construction impacts will be, and when construction is likely to start. Traders are also concerned that any closures of Chandler Road will impact their business, so should be kept to a minimum.

One trader owns a bus which is parked near the level crossing site, and is willing to move the bus when construction commences.


Image 6: Corrigan, Heatherton and Chandler roads, Noble Park location-‐specific trader feedback


Trader meetings The project team identified a number of businesses operating on VicTrack (State Government) owned property that could potentially be impacted by the project.

Where these lease holders were identified, meetings with the traders (tenants) were held and attended by the project team, VicTrack as the landlord, and the rental management organisation.

Urban Design Principles As with the Interactive Community Feedback Sessions, the trader engagement activities sought feedback on how the Urban Design Principles could be applied locally at each of the level crossing removal sites.

Feedback received from traders on the Urban Design Principles has been incorporated into the trader feedback provided to bidders, so they can understand what is important to traders in each of the trading precincts along the project corridor.

How will this feedback be used While this report provides a summary of the key themes and issues, there are many detailed comments that will also be considered. Two shortlisted bidders have been provided all raw data collected by LXRA, including comments from trader workshops, surveys (online and hardcopy), Social Pinpoint and emails submitted to LXRA. This information is being considered by both bidders as they develop business impact mitigation strategies.

Next steps Using the feedback provided, bidders are required to consider trader feedback for the delivery of the project.

A second round of trader engagement activities will be held by LXRA with support from the preferred proponent once submissions have been assessed. Feedback will be sought on the design solutions and the construction methodology (if available) and business impact mitigation strategy.

The second round of trader consultation is expected to occur in early 2016, prior to the award of contract.


Chapter Three: Community Tender Advisory Panel (CTAP)

LXRA established a Community Tender Advisory Panel (CTAP) for the duration of the procurement process for the Level Crossing Removal Project: Caulfield to Dandenong as a key channel for community and key stakeholder involvement during the procurement phase of this level crossing removal project. The CTAP assisted the project team by:

§ Providing a representative group of residents, businesses, interest and industry groups from across the project area

§ Ensuring that individuals and groups affected by the project have opportunities to participate in its development during a commercially sensitive procurement process

§ Providing a local perspective on project issues, particularly in relation to design and minimising impact on local communities

§ Providing input into the development of the project through informed discussions with the project team about components of the bids.

This highly innovative community consultation approach has never before been used for a major infrastructure project in Australia. It has set a new benchmark for consultation by providing an opportunity for community members to view designs during the tender phase and for their feedback to directly influence design development.

The CTAP is comprised of the following representatives:

§ Steve Dimopoulos MP, Member for Oakleigh, Chair

§ An Independent facilitator, Deputy Chair

§ Members of the Level Crossing Removal Authority

§ Local business representatives

§ Key stakeholder representatives

§ Local council representatives

CTAP meetings As summarised on the next page, the CTAP held four meetings between

Meeting one

The first meeting held in the CBD focussed on forming the group and reviewing the Urban Design Principles (see page 10). This involved agreeing on future meetings and understanding probity requirements.

Meeting two

This meeting involved the group reviewing bidders’ proposed designs in relation to the Urban Design Principles. This resulted in summary feedback on high profile design review for LXRA and the bidders.

Meeting three

Members of CTAP were briefed on how their feedback had been addressed by the bidders. The group then reviewed construction plans and impact mitigation and discussed differences between the two bidders. This was then summarised and provided to LXRA and the bidders.


Meeting four

This final CTAP meeting focused on the feedback provided to bidders to date, and allowed for a final walk through of both designs, with opportunities to provide final feedback. CTAP members then provided evaluation on the CTAP process, with positive results.

CTAP meeting summary

1 2 3 4 Date: Monday 17 Aug Time: 6.30 – 8pm Venue: CBD

Date: Monday 31 Aug Time: 4-‐8pm (inc dinner) Venue: Clayton Community Centre

Date: Monday 14 Sept Time: 4-‐8pm (inc dinner) Venue: Clayton Community Centre

Date: Monday 26 Oct Time: 4-‐8pm (inc dinner) Venue: Clarinda Community Centre

RFP Stage Design development

RFP Stage Design development

RFP Stage CTAP advice prior to detailed planning by preferred bidder (Jan16+)

RFP Stage CTAP advice prior to detailed planning by preferred bidder (Jan16+)

Meeting purpose 1. Form the group 2. Meet the Minister 3. Establish CTAP processes

and scope 4. Review Urban Design

Principles (UDP) 5. Identify preliminary issues

Meeting purpose 1. Design Review against UDP

on major project elements where designs may be most controversial or different

2. Discuss differences 3. Summarise feedback for

LXRA

Meeting purpose 1. Review of (i) Construction

impact mitigation (ii) station detail, landscape, access, signage, lighting

2. Discuss differences 3. Summarise feedback for

LXRA

Meeting purpose 1. Provide final feedback on

bids to be provided to bidders

2. Evaluate the CTAP process

Agenda items (see agenda) 1. Welcome 2. Introductions / Terms of

Reference / Probity and Confidentiality

3. CTAP feedback Info-‐sessions

4. Project overview – general discussion

5. Discussion on Urban Design Principles

6. Meeting calendar

Agenda items 1. Welcome & recap 2. Design presentation of key

project elements 3. Discussion and workshop 4. Next steps

Agenda items 1. Welcome & recap 2. Construction presentation 3. Other (as requested by

CTAP) presentation 4. Discussion and workshop 5. Next steps

Agenda items 1. Welcome and recap 2. Project update

presentation 3. Walk through plans from

both bids 4. Table discussions

Required inputs 1. TOR / Deeds 2. Project presentation + video 3. Workshop materials

(minimal)

Required inputs 1. LXRA staff to present main

design schemes 2. Workshop material – 2 x

plans; drawings; elevations etc

Required inputs 1. LXRA staff to present 2 x

construction methodology schemes

2. Workshop material – 2 x plans; drawings; elevations

Required inputs 1. LXRA staff to present

proposed designs and CTAP input to date

Outputs & Outcomes 1. Aligned on scope 2. Signed ToR / Confidentiality 3. Agreed CTAP mtg calendar

Outputs & Outcomes 1. Summary feedback on high

profile design review for LXRA

Outputs & Outcomes 1. Summary feedback on

construction planning for LXRA / contractor(s)

Outputs & Outcomes 1. Discuss likes and

recommended improvements

2. Evaluation of CTAP


Chapter four: Council Engagement

Council urban design workshop The council urban design workshop was led by the Office of the Victorian Government Architect and featured participants from City of Glen Eira, City of Monash, City of Kingston, City of Greater Dandenong. The invitation was also extended to representatives from Public Transport Victoria (PTV), VicRoads and Metropolitan Planning Authority. The workshop was developed to give the opportunity for local councils to contribute to the development of the Project’s Urban Design Principles prior to seeking community feedback. These principles have been developed to guide the shortlisted bidders in the development of their designs and will also be used by LXRA to assess the urban design outcome of both bids. Councils were given the opportunity to provide direct comment on the principles as well as access to a council-‐specific Social Pinpoint online feedback tool to provide input on what they felt was important for their communities and highlight priorities, issues and opportunities in their local municipality. The Social Pinpoint online tool was later made accessible for the general public, who could read the councils’ comments when providing their own.

Council briefings LXRA has committed to keeping local councils up to date throughout the process to ensure they are aware of activities happening within their municipality and the progress of the procurement process. CEO and senior council staff briefings At the establishment of the project the CEO of the Level Crossing Removal Authority (LXRA), Kevin Devlin, met directly with the CEOs of each of the four municipalities covered by the Project; City of Glen Eira, City of Monash, City of Kingston and City of Greater Dandenong. These start-‐up meetings introduced the LXRA and highlighted the broader program of works. Kevin Devlin outlined to council representatives that all design options would be considered for each of the 50 level crossings being removed and that LXRA had a commitment to delivering good urban design outcomes in the removal of the level crossings and any related integrated development opportunities that were identified by bidders. The meetings also established a key contact for each of the councils who would ensure that relevant and up to date information flowed freely between council and the project. Council briefings The project has committed to briefing Councillors every second month with an update on the project and the results of the activities LXRA had been carrying out in their municipalities. In between council updates the project team has been providing a weekly update to council that outlined activities from the week before and any upcoming activities or stakeholder briefings.


As with all aspects of the consultation process, the consideration of all design solutions (rail/road/over/under) was clearly explained.

Council event integration

The project has actively sought opportunities to tap into council activities and engagement events to keep local communities up to date. Following discussions with the council the project team has participated in council run events such as the Skate Park Opening and Little Day Out in Noble Park, as well as attending ‘Council Listening Post’ activities in the City of Monash.

Council RFP workshops Throughout the course of the Request for Proposal the Level Crossing Removal Authority has run a series of council workshops with both bidders to ensure that they have a good understanding of council priorities, structure plans and future developments within their municipalities. Council Officers have provided feedback on options that are being considered by bidders as well as giving bidders an better understanding of the local issues, opportunities and areas of particular value within their municipalities.


Attachments

Images from Carnegie and Clayton sessions

levelcrossings.vic.gov.au

Get ready, it’s happening! The Level Crossing Removal Authority (LXRA) is removing 50 dangerous and congested level crossings across Melbourne. The Level Crossing Removal Project: Caulfield to Dandenong will remove nine level crossings along the Cranbourne-Pakenham rail corridor. The project will also rebuild four stations at Carnegie, Murrumbeena, Clayton and Hughesdale, and upgrade power and signalling.

During the morning peak (7.00am – 9.00am), the boom gates on the nine level crossings on the Cranbourne-Pakenham line between Caulfield and Dandenong are down for more than an hour on average. Removing the level crossings will allow more trains to run, improve safety and reduce congestion.

The Government has allocated $2.4 billion in the State Budget to remove at least 20 level crossings over the next four years. Construction on the Level Crossing Removal Project: Caulfield to Dandenong will begin in

2016 and all nine level crossings will be removed by late 2018.

The nine level crossings to be removed are:• Grange Road, Carnegie • Koornang Road, Carnegie • Murrumbeena Road, Murrumbeena • Poath Road, Murrumbeena • Clayton Road, Clayton • Centre Road, Clayton • Corrigan Road, Noble Park • Heatherton Road, Noble Park • Chandler Road, Noble Park.

WHAT’S HAPPENING 1

WORKING TOGETHER - A TIME LINE 3

BENEFITS 4

MEET THE TEAM 4

IN A SNAPSHOTMID 2015 Early geotechnical works undertaken

MID - LATE 2015 Engage with the project team Tender process underway Have your say on designs

2016 Contract award Construction to start

2018 Project completed

COMMUNITY UPDATECAULFIELD TO DANDENONG

ISSUE #01 JULY 2015

Level Crossing Removal Project: Caufield to Dandenong2

The Level Crossing Removal Project: Caulfield to Dandenong is a significant package of works, and we’re delivering it in an extraordinary time frame. We’ll be working with the community, local businesses and local government throughout the project to ensure positive outcomes for the corridor.

Boom gates at the nine level crossings between Caulfield and

Dandenong are down for a combined 11 hours - nearly half

a day - in the morning peak.

Level Crossing Removal Project: Caufield to Dandenong 3

Late 2015/Early 2016Preferred tenderer announced

2016 Award contract

Formation of Stakeholder Liaison Groups Chaired by your local MP, consisting of community members and key stakeholders to liaise with the project team and provide feedback as the project progresses.

Construction begins

2018Project completed (late 2018)

May 2015Release of contract for the Level Crossing Removal Project: Caulfield to DandenongMid 2015

Site investigations (underway) Investigation work along the corridor

to investigate underground conditions including soil and groundwater.

Tender shortlisting (complete) Bidding companies will be shortlisted

to two bidding teams who will consider the feedback received from communities

and develop design and construction methodologies as part of the final bids.

Community pop-up sessions (underway) We’re out and about meeting the

community, public transport customers and local business owners. We’re asking you to register for eNews

updates and letting you know how you can connect with the project.

Mid 2015 – Late 2015Interactive community feedback sessions In the next few weeks we’ll be holding feedback sessions where we will be asking questions about what is important to the communities in the project area. We would like to better understand community priorities and how each of the sites are used. The feedback we receive will be used to develop the level crossing removal designs. Once draft designs are developed, we’ll be asking you to provide feedback.

Local business surveyRemoving nine level crossings will provide significant benefits for local businesses, but the construction period is likely to be disruptive. We’ll be chatting with local businesses to get a better idea of how they operate so we can minimise impacts as much as possible.

Late 2015Assessing market bids

We will be assessing the bids, reviewing the design solutions and construction methodologies

for each of the nine level crossing removals between Caulfield and Dandenong.

Early worksTo get things started as quickly as possible

we will be relocating minor rail infrastructure as well as gas, electricity and water services

before major construction begins.

Final interactive community feedback sessions

Before a contract is awarded, we’ll come back to the community about proposed design

options and ask for feedback. We want to make sure the designs are best suited for the

community who will use them so we will be running interactive sessions where you can

tell us what you think.

Working together - a time line

“The Level Crossing Removal Project: Caulfield to Dandenong will not only transform the Cranbourne-

Pakenham rail line and improve safety, it will reconnect local communities divided by level crossings.”

• As a community member: the Level Crossing Removal Project: Caulfield to Dandenong will create a road and rail network that gets people out of traffic and home safer, and faster.

• As a public transport passenger: removing nine level crossings will allow for additional services to be added to the Cranbourne-Pakenham rail line. Passengers at Carnegie, Murrumbeena, Clayton and Hughesdale will also benefit from a rebuilt station.

• As a business owner: you won’t be stuck at boom gates on your way to or from work everyday. The project will stimulate economic growth by creating mobile, safe and free flowing road and rail networks that get people where they need to be.

• When combined with the Cranbourne Pakenham Rail Upgrade. the Caulfield to Dandenong level crossing removals will create space for an extra 11,000 passengers on the Cranbourne-Pakenham line during the morning peak. Other works being delivered as part of the Cranbourne Pakenham Rail Upgrade include 37 new high capacity trains, a new train depot and maintenance facility in Pakenham, and new and upgraded power and signalling along the corridor.

Kevin Devlin is the Level Crossing Removal Authority’s Chief Executive Officer. His role is to oversee the planning and delivery of Victoria’s $6 billion Level Crossing Removal Project and the Mernda Rail Extension.

Kevin has over 18 years’ experience delivering engineering projects in both the public and private sector. Kevin leads with innovation and strategy to develop high performing teams that challenge the status quo and dare to do mighty things. With Kevin’s leadership, the Level Crossing Removal Authority will strive to deliver this important project to make a safer, more connected community.

MEET THE PROJECT TEAM

DID YOU KNOW?No wonder you’ve been frustrated! This is the maximum time (in minutes) that boom gates between Caulfield and Dandenong are down during the weekday morning peak:

Grange Road, Carnegie ............ 55

Koornang Road, Carnegie ........ 87

Murrumbeena Road, Murrumbeena .......................... 75

Poath Road, Murrumbeena ..... 72

Clayton Road, Clayton .............. 82

Centre Road, Clayton ............... 75

Corrigan Road, Noble Park ...... 72

Heatherton Road, Noble Park ............................... 73

Chandler Road, Noble Park ...67

And on project completion ......... 0This is why the Level Crossing Removal Project is so important.

MORE INFORMATIONWEB Register to receive project information levelcrossings.vic.gov.au

EMAIL [email protected]

CALL 1800 762 667 (business hours Monday to Friday)

WRITE Level Crossing Removal Authority Level 14, 121 Exhibition Street Melbourne 3000

For languages other than English, please call 131 450.

How will you benefit?

Authorised and published by the Victorian Government, 1 Treasury Place, Melbourne



LEVEL CROSSING REMOVAL UPDATE 02

CAULFIELD TO DANDENONG

ISSUE #02 SEPTEMBER 2015

CONNECT WITH USWe know how important it is for communities to be informed and involved in developing these level crossing removals. Check out our website to sign up for email updates to stay involved, or connect with us on social media to keep up to date in real time with what’s happening on the project.

Contact us [email protected]

1800 762 667 (business hours Monday – Friday and during out of hours works)


facebook.com/levelcrossings

Level Crossing Removal Authority, Level 14, 121 Exhibition Street, Melbourne 3000

Translation service For languages other than English, please call 131 450

What you’ve told usThank you to everyone who braved some cold and wet evenings to attend our community information sessions in August. Your valuable feedback was provided to the bidders for consideration as part of developing designs for each of the level crossing removals and station rebuilds. Here are some of the things we’ve heard:• Moving forward with the project is

vital for your local communities – it’s been promised a number of times and you’re grateful the project is going ahead. (Quote: “It can’t happen soon enough!”)

• Having an opportunity to engage with the project in the early stages is important – you’re looking forward to seeing draft designs and providing further feedback before a contract is awarded.

• Integrating level crossing removal with the surrounding area is critical – you’re pleased to see that urban design principles are guiding each design proposal.

• Understanding how you use your local areas is essential - you’ve given us lots of information about what you value, including flora and fauna,

heritage aspects, car parking and development opportunities.

Don’t worry if you couldn’t come along to one of our sessions, we’ll be holding more information sessions and popping up at local shopping strips and precincts, train stations and community centres again soon.

Our next round of community engagement will focus on reporting back on what we’ve heard so far and furthering our conversations about urban design – so we can get a better understanding of what it means to you and your local community. You can read more about urban design on page three of this update.

In the meantime, you can continue to provide feedback via email to [email protected] or phone 1800 762 667.

DESIGNING A LEVEL CROSSING REMOVALTo achieve the best possible outcome for the community, the project team will assess each potential design against a range of objectives and evaluation criteria, including: • Safety • Impacts on public transport,

road network connectivity and functionality

• Impacts on residential and commercial properties

• Community facilities and local amenity• Impacts on parks and heritage places• Technical standards• Urban design • Current and future land use in the

area• Location of major utility services

and waterways • Constructability and capital costs.

Level Crossing Removal Project: Caufield to Dandenong2

Out and about Over the past few months, the Level Crossing Removal Authority has been engaging with communities along the project corridor to understand more about what’s important in local areas. We’ll continue popping up at stations and shopping precincts, holding information sessions, as well as briefing local councils and councillors about the project.

The Caulfield to Dandenong package has two shortlisted bidders who are currently developing designs and construction methods for removing nine level crossings and rebuilding four stations along the Cranbourne-Pakenham rail corridor. As part of ensuring positive outcomes for the corridor, we’re also working with the bidders to integrate community feedback as well as input from our key stakeholders, including councils, utility providers and government agencies.

So while we’ve been out and about meeting with the community, we’ve also been busy making sure all the feedback received so far has been fed back into the tender process. Importantly, we’ve also established a Community Tender Advisory Panel (CTAP) to provide feedback during the tender stage. Consisting of community representatives, the CTAP represents an innovative approach to involving the community early on in the project’s development.

Information sessionsHere are some of the locations where we’ll be out and about in your community over the coming weeks:

Saturday 19 September 10:45am–1pm Noble Park skate park opening, Ross Reserve, Heatherton Road, Noble Park

Sunday 27 September 11am–4pm Little Day Out, Ross Reserve, Heatherton Road, Noble Park

Wednesday 7 October 6pm–8pmGreaves Reserve, Gloria Pyke Netball Complex, Chandler Road, Noble Park

Saturday 10 October 10.30am–12.30pmClayton Road Shopping Strip (with Monash Council)

Wednesday 14 October 10.30am–3.30pmMonash University, Clayton campus BBQ

Monday 26 October to Sunday 1 November (hours to be confirmed)Chadstone Shopping Centre, near Coles

Thursday 12 November 3pm–6pmKoornang Park outside the Carnegie Swim Centre

Saturday 14 November 8am–1pmCaulfield Farmers Markets, 166 Grange Road, Carnegie (Glen Huntly Primary) Plus many more to come. If you see us out, come and say hello and find out more about your local level crossing removal.

“The Level Crossing Removal Project: Caulfield

to Dandenong will not only transform the

Cranbourne-Pakenham rail line and improve

safety, it will reconnect local communities divided

by level crossings.”

Brett Summers - Project Director

Level Crossing Removal Project: Caufield to Dandenong 3

IDENTITY: The art of London Underground, London.

URBAN INTERGRATION: The Arbory Bar and Eatery, Flinders Walk, Melbourne.

CONNECTIVITY AND WAYFINDING: St Enoch Street Subway Station, Glasgow.

RESILIENCE AND SUSTAINABILITY: Noise wall, EastLink Freeway, Melbourne.

VIBRANCY: Seart Park, Mt Wellington, New Zealand.

ACCESSIBILITY: Buffalo Bayou Walk, Houston, Texas.

AMENITY: Folley for a Flyover, Hackney Wick, East London.

SAFETY: Mitcham railway station, Melbourne.

What is urban design? You may have heard us using the words ‘urban design’ a lot when we’re talking about the project. In simple terms, urban design is the process of designing cities, towns or precincts.

Urban design takes into consideration not only the buildings, but the way the community utilises and moves around the area whether it be by foot, by car, or by accessing public transport.

The project team has worked with local councils to develop Urban Design Principles. These principles will be an assessment tool for the Government to assess each of the proposed designs.

Information about the Urban Design Principles was also presented at the recent community information sessions.

What will your level crossing removal look like? This is a question we heard a lot at our recent community engagement events. To be honest, we don’t know yet, which is why we need your continued feedback throughout the tender process.

When planning a level crossing removal, there are a number of options to consider at each site. These options may include a variation of the following:• Rail under road – lowering the rail

line under the road. • Rail over road – building a rail bridge

over the road.

• Road over rail – building a road bridge over the rail line.

• Road under rail – lowering the road under the rail line.

By applying urban design principles to each of the potential design solutions we can ensure better outcomes for the community, including:• Better connectivity for pedestrians

and road users. • Improved safety by removing the

interface between road and rail (eliminating the risk of collision between trains, vehicles and pedestrians).

• Potential for revitalising the precinct and encouraging community gathering.

• Increased residential and commercial development opportunities, including cafes, restaurants, shops and community areas.

Using the community feedback we’ve received, we’ll develop designs for the nine level crossing removals and four station rebuilds over the coming months. Further community feedback will be sought on draft designs before a contract is awarded in early 2016.

PORT PHILLIP BAY

Western Fwy

Eastern Fwy

Hum

e Fwy

Calder Fwy

Princes Fwy

Princes Fwy

Burwood Hwy

Monash Fwy

South Gippsland Hwy

Princes Fwy

Princes Hwy

Nepean Hwy

East

link

Wester

n Ring

Rd

Tullamarine Fwy

Werribee

Melton

Sunbury

Craigieburn

Upfield

Williamstown

Frankston

Sandringham

PakenhamCranbourne

Lilydale

South Morang

Mernda

Hurstbridge

Glen WaverleyAlamein

Belgrave28

26

2425

18

17

15

14

16

1312

11

9

10

54

3

21

87

6

19

2223

20

21

404142

4344

45

46

4748

49

50

27

29

3031

3233

34

3536

38 37

39

Authorised and published by the Victorian Government, 1 Treasury Place, Melbourne


WHAT ELSE IS THE LEVEL CROSSING REMOVAL AUTHORITY WORKING ON?

In addition to works between Caulfield and Dandenong, the Level Crossing Removal Authority is getting on with removing a number of other level crossings across Melbourne. A contract has been awarded to remove the first four level crossings at Burke Road on the Glen Waverley line and North, McKinnon and Centre roads on the Frankston line. Scheduled for completion by 2017, these works are being delivered by a consortium including John Holland and Kellogg Brown Root (KBR).

A consortium, including Leighton Contractors, Aurecon and Hyder Consulting, has been chosen to remove a further four level crossings at Main Road and Furlong Road in St Albans (Sunbury line), and Heatherdale Road and Blackburn Road (Belgrave-Lilydale line). These four level crossings will also be removed by 2017. Together with the nine being removed between Caulfield and Dandenong, that takes us to a total of 17 out of the 20 to be completed by 2018.

Planning is currently underway to help us understand the best options to deliver all 50 level crossing removals by 2022. We will be visiting communities all over Melbourne in the coming months to make sure we are getting as much information as possible so we can find the best way to deliver this massive project across our road and rail network. Your can read more about the project’s progress at www.levelcrossings.vic.gov.au

WERRIBEE 1 Werribee Street, Werribee2 Cherry Street, Werribee3 Aviation Road, Laverton

ALTONA LOOP4 Kororoit Creek Road,

Williamstown North

WILLIAMSTOWN5 Ferguson Street, Williamstown

SUNBURY6 Melton Highway, Sydenham7 Main Road, St Albans8 Furlong Road, St Albans

CRAIGIEBURN9 Glenroy Road, Glenroy

10 Buckley Street, Essendon

UPFIELD11 Camp Road, Campbellfield12 Bell Street, Coburg13 Moreland Road, Brunswick

SOUTH MORANG14 High Street, Reservoir15 Bell Street, Preston

HURSTBRIDGE16 Lower Plenty Road, Rosanna17 Grange Road, Alphington

LILYDALE18 Blackburn Road, Blackburn19 Heatherdale Road, Ringwood20 Manchester Road,

Mooroolbark21 Maroondah Highway, Lilydale

BELGRAVE22 Mountain Highway,

Bayswater23 Scoresby Road, Bayswater

GLEN WAVERLEY24 Toorak Road, Kooyong25 Burke Road, Glen Iris

DANDENONG26 Grange Road, Carnegie27 Koornang Road, Carnegie28 Murrumbeena Road,

Murrumbeena29 Poath Road, Hughesdale30 Clayton Road, Clayton31 Centre Road, Clayton

32 Corrigan Road, Noble Park33 Heatherton Road, Noble Park34 Chandler Road, Noble Park

PAKENHAM35 South Gippsland Highway,

Dandenong36 Hallam Road South, Hallam37 Clyde Road, Berwick

CRANBOURNE38 Abbotts Road,

Dandenong South39 Thompsons Road, Lyndhurst

FRANKSTON40 North Road, Ormond41 McKinnon Road, McKinnon42 Centre Road, Bentleigh43 Charman Road, Cheltenham44 Balcombe Road, Mentone45 Edithvale Road, Edithvale46 Station Street, Bonbeach47 Station Street, Carrum48 Eel Race Road, Carrum49 Seaford Road, Seaford50 Skye/Overton Road, Frankston

50 level crossing removals

Discaimer: Sites are numbered for identification purposes only. Numbering does not indicate order of removal.

consultation!report! level!crossing!removal! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! project · 2016-05-18 ·...

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