Brimbank council has flagged concerns about possible impacts that work on the Metro Rail Network Upgrade may have on its significant native species and heritage buildings.
Brimbank mayor Margaret Giudice said the council recognises the importance of the Metro Rail Network Upgrade.
“However, we are concerned there could be potential impacts on a number of Brimbank sites that support the critically endangered natural temperate grasslands of the Victorian volcanic plains and spiny riceflower, the endangered button wrinklewort and the vulnerable striped legless lizard.
“It is important that nationally significant native vegetation and species, and any heritage significant buildings located within the rail corridor are not impacted by the works.
“This includes Matthews Hill grassland in Sunshine, Denton grassland in St Albans and five other sites between Albion and Keilor Plains station.”
A range of upgrades are proposed on the Sunbury, Cranbourne and Pakenham lines as part of the Metro Rail Network Upgrade. These will include installation of next-generation signalling technology and upgrades to infrastructure.
Rail Projects Victoria (RPV) has requested the Minister for Planning approve a Planning Scheme Amendment (PSA) to allow the works.
The amendment would mean works can go ahead without council consultation.
At its May meeting, the council raised concerns regarding the extent of the work area and potential impacts.
The council called for a project area to be shown on a map in the draft plan so it was clear what land is affected.
It also wants the opportunity to review and comment on ecological assessments and called for an environmental management plan.
The council is requesting that it maintain control of provding planning permission for any works needed at HV McKay Memorial Gardens, the Albion sub-station, the Sunshine signal box, Sydenham station and Sydenham and St Albans railway culverts.
