CONFLICTING reports on tree damage as part of Regional Rail Link works reveal ongoing tension between Sunshine residents and the authority carrying out the work.
RRL spokeswoman Megan Cusack said the project team undertook work last Wednesday to find services such as gas and water pipes.
Workers were digging on VicTrack land next to the HV McKay Gardens when they encountered the root of a tree “outside the area listed on the Heritage Register”.
“The team immediately ceased work and took measures to ensure the tree was protected,” Ms Cusack said.
But Friends of the HV McKay Gardens president Catherine McDonald claimed work stopped because she stepped in to protect the mature tree.
“It was only when I jumped in and complained to the RRL Authority that they made any attempts to stop damaging those trees,” she said.
“We think this is outrageous.”
Brimbank Council’s general manager of infrastructure and environment, Paul Younis, said no permit was required for the works and the council had no authority within the project area.
“The RRL alliance informed council about the service-proving works and council is regularly inspecting the works to check that there’s no impact on the gardens.”
Meanwhile, the RRL Authority has sent letters and fact sheets to more than 2500 properties around Anderson Road and in Albion, informing residents of the permanent closure of King Edward Avenue from July to enable Anderson Road grade separation works.
Albion Residents’ Action Group member Frank Reinthaler told the Weekly that the letters went out only after local groups demanded the authority send out the information.
“It should have happened six months ago. We need a proper community mass forum held by the RRLA [with council in attendance] to discuss the implications of this road underpass for the people of Albion and the damage to the heritage of the gardens.”
