There have been a number of pieces written about Upfield train line developments over the past few months. This is an attempt to highlight the main issues affecting locals in Coburg.
Local individuals and interest groups have spent the last three weeks protesting the tree removal in the Gandolfo Gardens surrounding Moreland Station by the Level Crossing Removal Project (LXRP), the state corporation tasked with the Upfield Line redevelopment.
The protesters argue that some of the trees are up to 100 years old, home to precious ecosystems and have local sentimental value – they are calling on the LXRP to shift the location of the new station so that tree removal is minimised. Protesters say that moving the station roughly 50 metres south so that it spans Moreland Road would not only save the trees but improve accessibility from both sides of the road (a design seen on a number of stations across Melbourne’s metro). The LXRP have rejected this proposal without communicating a clear reason, leaving many to infer that its main priorities are cost saving and an expedited process. James Conlan from the Upfield Corridor Coalition (UCC) says they want to be sure that the project is done well: “We want to make sure we don’t get a cheap and nasty version because we’re Moreland and Coburg which are safe Labour and Greens territory now”.
The removal of four level crossings on the Upfield line between Bell St and Moreland Rd is part of the State Government’s plan to remove 75 level crossings across Melbourne. The Upfield Line project includes elevating Moreland and Coburg stations with the original buildings being preserved underneath the new stations. Other structures of historical significance, such as the old train signaling box at Moreland Station, are being demolished to make way for construction.
Done properly, the skyrail can increase road and foot traffic flow (a benefit to buses as well as cars), create more public spaces and better pedestrian access – as has been achieved in Melbourne’s south-eastern suburbs. No doubt rail redevelopment, including elevation, will become a norm and a necessary response to Melbourne’s population growth and over-reliance on cars. It’s therefore imperative that state and local government learn how to get it right.
At the time of writing, the majority of trees have been felled in the Gandolfo Gardens as well as on the south-west side of Coburg Station.
The Coburg Meddler 