Updated 24 August 2013
It is disturbing that the Royal Park has been under threat since it was proposed by Governor La Trobe in 1844, that 700 acres (283 hectares) be set aside.
Reduced in 1861 to to allow for the development of residential area of South Parkville and the establishment of the Zoo. Again for residential development in 1868 for North and West Parkville. More loss of parkland in South Parkville for more houses in 1870s. Further park loss for roads, the tramline and Upfield railway line, then 1929 land for Uni High, 1944, RMH, 1957, RCH, 1963 the Dental Hosp and 2012 the rebuilding of the RCH.
The area of Royal Park is currently listed as being 170 hectares. The next insult will be the proposed East West Link with its ugly flyovers and damage to the existing flora and fauna.
Is there no limit to the damage we will allow to our wonderful Royal Park?
Ways you can help:
1. Comment on the Parkville Association Facebook page www.facebook.com/ParkvilleAssociation
2. Support the "Save Royal Park West" group page on Facebook
3. Join the Royal Park Protection Group. www.royalparkprotect.org.au or phone Paul Leitinger on 0401 992 00
4. Come to the Parkville Association meetings 2nd Tuesday of the Month at 8pm
5. Have your say at the Linking Melbourne website www.linkingmelbourne.vic.gov.au
Updated 13th May 2013.
East West Link construction expected to start late next year
This week, the Victorian Government committed $294 million towards the East West Link project. The new funding will enable detailed design work, formal planning approvals, the procurement process for construction, as well as the completion of some early construction works.
Watch the brand new video about East West Link (animations of the route and driving experience)
The construction of stage one of East West Link will commence in late 2014, with a construction period of around 5 years. Construction will cost between $6 billion and $8 billion, and create around 3,200 jobs, making this one of the biggest road projects in Australian history.
When it opens, stage one of East West Link will be an 8km motorway from the Eastern Fwy at Hoddle Street to CityLink / Tullamarine Fwy. A significant part will be within tunnels. A range of public transport and urban amenity improvements will also be implemented in the local area. A later phase of East West Link will extend the route a further 10km westward to connect with the M80 Ring Road in Sunshine West.
East West Link will be delivered as a Public Private Partnership, with financing expected to be sourced from the Victorian Government, Commonwealth Government and the private sector. ConnectEast Group · EastLink Operations Centre · 2 Hillcrest Avenue · Ringwood, Vic 3134
10th May 2013
The Victorian Government has announced it will allocate $294 million towards the East West Link project as part of the 2013-14 Budget.
This means that Linking Melbourne Authority will now begin formal planning for the eastern section of the East West Link. While the first stage targeted for development is between the Eastern Freeway and CityLink, the planning approval process will also consider a further connection to the Port area. Planning for the western section from the Port to Sunshine West has previously been undertaken.
