Government Departments, Agencies and Other Authorities A number of Federal and Victorian government Ministers, departments, agencies and authorities have different roles to play throughout the planning, assessment and approval process, and ultimately the operation of Melbourne Metro. Targeted engagement and consultation with all levels of government has occurred already and would continue throughout the project’s construction and operation. Table identifies government stakeholders engaged to date and their roles within the process. Table Key government stakeholders Government Minister Department/ agency/authority Role Federal Government Minister for the Environment Department of the Environment Administers the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 Infrastructure Australia Provides advice to the Federal Government on infrastructure projects State Government Premier of Victoria Department of Premier and Cabinet key project decisions Has declared the project the Major Transport Projects Facilitation Act 2009 Treasurer Department of Treasury and Finance Procurement and funding decisions Minister for Public Transport Department of Economic Development, Jobs, Transport and Resources Project Minister for Melbourne Metro under the Major Transport Projects Facilitation Act 2009 Minister for Planning Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning Heritage Victoria Administers EES and planning process Administers the Environment Effects Act 1978, Planning and Environment Act 1987 and Heritage Act 1995 Local government Cities of Melbourne, Port Phillip, Stonnington and Maribyrnong Administer the Planning and Environment Act 1987, Road Management Act 2004 and Local Government Act 1989 Road managers Public land managers Statutory agencies EPA Victoria Administers the Environment Protection Act 1970
Heritage Victoria Administers the Heritage Act 1995 Manager of State Heritage – Victorian Heritage Register and the Victorian Heritage Inventory Infrastructure Victoria Provides advice to the Victorian government on the State’s infrastructure needs and priorities Metropolitan Fire Brigade Provides advice in regard to the emergency service requirements of Melbourne Metro Metropolitan Planning Authority Oversees planning and facilitates development of Melbourne’s key strategic areas including Melbourne Manages Melbourne’s water supply catchments, sewage treatment and rivers, creeks and major drainage systems Office of Aboriginal Affairs Victoria Administers the Aboriginal Heritage Act 2006 Office of the Victorian Government Architect Provides leadership and strategic advice to government architecture and urban design Public Transport Victoria Acts as a system authority for all public transport and as an advocate for public transport users Southern Rural Water Manages rural water for southern Victoria. Including licencing groundwater bores and licensing and monitoring extractions from groundwater systems VicRoads Administers the Road Management Act 2004 Manager of arterial VicTrack Administers the Rail Management Act 1996 Owner of the rail network Interested Parties not playing a specific role in the planning process, a number of stakeholders are considered interested parties due to their involvement and interactions with the project. MMRA has informed and engaged a wide range of these interested parties and would continue to involve these stakeholders as appropriate following the completion of the planning phase of the project. These parties include (but are not limited to): Australian Rail Track Corporation
Requests for station design to facilitate easy access to important facilities (such as Royal Melbourne Hospital), recreational areas and to improve connectivity with other modes of transport Feedback emphasised the importance of ensuring easy access for disabled and mobility impaired passengers 4 – Parkville station The project is working closely with stakeholders such as Councils, PTV and VicRoads to identify opportunities to improve access and connectivity. All Melbourne stations would be fully DDA compliant, with specific consideration being given to disability access for Parkville station, including high capacity lifts at each station entrance. New DDA-compliant tram superstops would be provided as part of the project on Royal Parade and St Kilda Road. The construction contractors would be required to retain or replace DDA compliant parking zones to service the needs of the hospitals in Parkville. Chapter 8 Transport Technical Appendix D Transport Traffic and transport Concerns about impacts on local streets from construction traffic, including heavy vehicle routes, truck movements in quieter suburban streets, increased traffic congestion and the effect on movements in and around the CBD 2 – Western portal 3 – Arden station 4 – Parkville station 5 – CBD station 6 – CBD South station 7 – Domain station 8 – Eastern portal MMRA has undertaken traffic studies and consulted with the relevant Councils, VicRoads and PTV to identify how construction traffic impacts can be reduced and best managed, and to address specific local concerns. The recommended Environmental Performance Requirements would require the construction contractors to develop detailed traffic management plans for each precinct to minimise the impacts of construction traffic. Examples of these management measures include operating the majority of truck movements outside of peak periods, designating construction haulage routes away from local street networks and identifying ways of moving excavated material away from construction work sites and onto arterial roads as quickly and efficiently as possible. Chapter 8 Transport Technical Appendix D Transport Technical Appendix Q Contaminated Land and Management
Concerns that changes to local road layouts (for example temporary lane closures and diversions) during construction would impact access for local residents and local businesses 2 – Western portal 7 – Domain station MMRA has undertaken traffic studies and consulted with the relevant Councils, VicRoads and PTV to identify how the traffic impacts associated with road closures can be reduced and best managed, and to address specific local concerns. The recommended Environmental Performance Requirements would require the construction contractors to develop detailed traffic management plans for each precinct that would include measures to maintain access to businesses for customers, delivery and waste removal. Examples of this are the proposed requirement to maintain through traffic on St. Kilda Road and to ensure constant access to businesses within the 50 Lloyd Street Business Estate. The recommended Environmental Performance Requirements would also require the preparation of a business, property owner and community engagement plan to provide information on project milestones, changes to traffic conditions and duration of impacts. Chapter 8 Transport Chapter 11 Business Technical Appendix D Transport Technical Appendix G Business Concerns about loss of parking due to local road closures, diversions during construction of the project, and project vehicles parking on residential streets 2 – Western portal 5 – CBD station 6 – CBD South station 8 – Eastern portal Traffic management plans developed by the construction contractors would include measures to minimise disruption to car parking during construction, provide alternative parking (where car parks are removed) and prevent parking at undesignated locations on local roads. These measures are detailed in the recommended Environmental Performance Requirements. For example, the contractors would be required to ensure the provision of alternative parking to that lost from Childers Street during construction. In the CBD, Melbourne Metro would impact a small number of car parks (both public and private) underneath City Square. MMRA is working with permanent residents of the Westin Hotel to identify solutions to manage impacts on private car parking, and with the City of Melbourne on arrangements for public car parking. As most major work sites would be accessible by public transport, parking provisions for the Melbourne Metro workforce would be minimal. Chapter 8 Transport Chapter 10 Social and Community Technical Appendix D Transport Technical Appendix F Social and Community
Concerns sustained noise and vibration during construction and the project’s ability to meet EPA requirements 3 – Arden station 4 – Parkville station 5 – CBD North station 6 – CBD South station 7 – Domain station 8 – Eastern portal MMRA has undertaken vibration studies and modelling of tunnelling activities. Some people in close proximity to tunnelling excavation and mined station construction could experience noticeable vibration and ground-borne noise for relatively short periods of time. If levels of noise and vibration are higher than recognised targets for human comfort, this would trigger the need for mitigation measures. MMRA is working with local stakeholders to identify sensitive areas and undertake baseline noise and vibration modelling to determine appropriate mitigation measures and construction methodologies. The recommended Environmental Performance Requirements would seek to minimise and mitigate noise and vibration impacts on residents and the community. The construction contractors would be required to meet the EPA’s guideline noise levels and other relevant noise and vibration standards. Chapter 13 and Vibration Chapter 19 Ground Movement and Land Stability Technical Appendix I and Vibration Technical Appendix P Ground Movement and Land Stability
Concerns about depth of tunnelling and impacts of vibration on property, the structural integrity of buildings and sensitive hospital equipment during construction as well as once trains are running in the tunnels 3 – Station 4 – Parkville station 5 – CBD North station 6 – CBD South station 8 – Eastern portal MMRA has undertaken vibration studies and modelling of tunnelling activities. The predicted levels of vibration show no structural damage to buildings would be expected as a result of the tunnelling activities during construction or as a result of the operation of the trains. As an added precaution, property condition assessments would be undertaken prior to construction works commencing to record the existing condition of potentially affected hospitals, community facilities, older buildings and heritage structures. MMRA is working with institutions such as the University of Melbourne, RMIT University and the hospitals and research facilities in Parkville to identify any potentially sensitive equipment and areas, and undertake baseline noise and vibration modelling to help determine appropriate mitigation measures and construction methodologies. The recommended Environmental Performance Requirements would require the construction contractors to meet specific vibration standards in relation to vibration sensitive equipment. The potential increase in operational rail noise created from additional rail services would be managed in accordance with the Passenger Rail Infrastructure Noise Policy. Chapter 13 Noise and Vibration Chapter 19 Ground Movement and Land Stability Technical Appendix I Noise and Vibration Technical Appendix P Ground Movement and Land Stability Concerns about night work, hours of operation and suggestions for potential truck curfews and alternative routes 2 – Western portal 3 – Arden station 7 – Domain station 8 – Eastern portal Noise and traffic impact assessments have been carried out during the planning process to help identify how these impacts could be reduced and best managed. The project would seek to minimise noise impacts on residents and the community, wherever possible. Trucks would be required to access major arterial roads as soon as possible to limit noise impacts to the local area. Appropriate management plans, as well as recommended Environmental Performance Requirements, would be used to manage impacts. This would include minimising truck movements during peak periods to avoid adding to road congestion. Chapter 8 Transport Chapter 13 Noise and Vibration Technical Appendix D Transport Technical Appendix I and Vibration
Request for noise and vibration mitigation for homes near construction work sites Also queries about whether residents would be entitled to relocation or compensation for impacts 2 – Western portal 3 – Arden station 7 – Domain station 8 – Eastern portal A social impact assessment was conducted during the planning process to identify how amenity impacts on local residents could be reduced and best managed. The project is considering ways to reduce potential noise and vibration impacts on the local community, including the use of acoustic sheds at construction work sites and temporary and permanent noise walls. Temporary relocation or respite would be considered for directly affected residents on a case-by-case basis. Chapter 10 Social and Community Chapter 13 and Vibration Technical Appendix F Social and Community Technical Appendix I Noise and Vibration Landscape and visual Concerns that temporary and permanent changes may affect the character of areas surrounding the proposed infrastructure Requests for the design of station entrances to integrate well with the surrounding landscape, and for the look of station entrances to not detract from landmarks and streetscape 2 – Western portal 4 – Parkville station 5 – CBD station 6 – CBD station 7 – Domain station 8 – Eastern portal Mitigation measures have been identified to protect the various elements that contribute to the character of the surrounding landscape. For example, the recommended Environmental Performance Requirements include measures to protect the heritage qualities of nearby buildings and public spaces. The Urban Design Strategy provides guidance on the design of station entrances to ensure they are of a high quality design, integrate with their location and settings, and have appropriate footprints. The design of Melbourne Metro would also take into account local aspirations for each precinct, as set out in the relevant planning polices and strategies and identified through consultation with Councils and other stakeholders. The Urban Design Strategy, in conjunction with the various other impact assessments, would ensure the protection of the existing landscape, while enhancing it where possible. Chapter 9 Land Use and Planning Chapter 14 Historical Cultural Heritage Chapter 16 Landscape and Visual Technical Appendix E Land Use and Planning Technical Appendix J Historical Cultural Heritage Technical Appendix L Landscape and Visual Technical Appendix M Urban Design Strategy
Concern about changes to amenity, including temporary and permanent changes to the landscape as a result of removing trees Feedback emphasised that green space is highly valued and there were concerns about losing trees to make way for noise or retaining walls 4 – Parkville station 7 – Domain station 8 – Eastern portal The Urban Design Strategy provides guidance on appropriate design responses to any required noise treatment measures. The strategy also seeks to improve the amount and quality of open green spaces within the proposed project boundary in the longer term. The construction of the stations would require the protection, relocation or, in some areas, the removal of trees. Removed trees would be replaced in line with the urban forest strategies of the City of Melbourne, City of Port Phillip and City of Stonnington and with the Domain Parklands Conservation Management Plan. MMRA would continue to explore opportunities during the detailed design phase of the project to reduce the number of trees that would need to be removed. Chapter 16 Landscape and Visual Technical Appendix L Landscape and Visual Technical Appendix M Urban Design Strategy Technical Appendices R and S Arboriculture Request for stations and associated infrastructure to support high quality development 3 – Arden station 5 – CBD North station The Urban Design Strategy encourages high quality development adjacent to and (in some instances) over station sites. In the Arden precinct, where future urban renewal is planned, the strategy supports land use change and work would be delivered in partnership with the City of Melbourne and the Metropolitan Planning Authority who have responsibility for the redevelopment of the precinct. Technical Appendix M Urban Design Strategy Important places
Concerns about access to important public open spaces and facilities such as JJ Holland Park, North Melbourne Football Ground, University Square, the State Library, RMIT University City Square, Federation Square, the Shrine of Remembrance Reserve, Edmund Herring Oval, Fawkner Park and South Yarra Siding Reserve Requests for reinstatement works to improve and revitalise affected spaces 2 – Western portal 3 – Arden station 4 – Parkville station 5 – CBD North station 6 – CBD station 7 – Domain station 8 – Eastern portal The importance of public open spaces and facilities as valued community assets has been recognised throughout the project’s planning and design. MMRA and its construction contractors would seek to avoid impacts to and maintain access to these spaces wherever possible. The contractors would also be required to develop detailed construction management plans that include maintaining access to important public spaces and buildings, to consult with the users of affected open spaces and to reinstate open spaces post-construction in consultation with the land managers and surrounding communities. In the CBD, with construction work at Swanston Street being completed from underground, maintaining footpath access to key destinations along the street would be achievable. There would be no structural works impacting on the City Baths, the State Library, St Paul’s Cathedral, Princes Bridge, Young and Jackson Hotel, Melbourne Town Hall or the Shrine of Remembrance. would be no direct impacts to the Shrine of Remembrance vista from the final arrangement of Domain station and above ground structures. Chapter 10 Social and Community Chapter 14 Historical Cultural Heritage Technical Appendix F Social and Community Technical Appendix J Historical Cultural Heritage Technical Appendix M Urban Design Strategy Concerns about potential impacts from tunnelling on environmental assets such as the Yarra River 3 – Arden station 6 – CBD South station An aquatic ecology and health impact assessment has been conducted during the planning process to analyse Melbourne Metro’s impact on the Yarra River and other water bodies within the vicinity of the project. The assessment found that the risk to these environmental assets would be low, as tunnelling would avoid direct impacts and the recommended Environmental Performance Requirements would minimise the potential for indirect impacts. Geotechnical drilling is also underway to determine geological, hydrological and groundwater conditions, and to inform the selection of appropriate construction methodologies. Chapter 18 Groundwater Chapter 21 Biodiversity Technical Appendix O Groundwater Technical Appendix U Aquatic Ecology and River Health
Concerns about impacts on monuments such as the South African Soldiers Memorial and those within the Shrine of Remembrance Reserve Significant and fragile statues and monuments should be protected and remain in their existing positions, if possible 7 – Domain station MMRA recognises that some sculptures, memorials and monuments in the vicinity of construction work sites have heritage and historical value. The recommended Environmental Performance Requirements would ensure measures are taken to protect and/or relocate these monuments during construction. In some circumstances, monuments may need to be permanently relocated. Specialists be appointed to manage the recording, preservation and reinstatement of monuments. The African Soldiers Memorial would need to be temporarily relocated to facilitate construction of the Domain station entrance in Albert Road Reserve. MMRA recognises the social and historical importance of these monuments, and is working closely with stakeholders such as the Shrine of Remembrance Trustees, the Boer War Memorial Association, and the City of Melbourne and City of Port Phillip to determine appropriate management measures. Chapter 14 Historical Cultural Heritage Technical Appendix J Historical Cultural Heritage Property and land acquisition Concerns strata (underground) acquisition and the presence of rail tunnels under properties affecting property values and future development potential of properties (for example, near Flemington Road and Victoria Street where increasing numbers of new buildings have underground basements) 3 – Arden station The planning and design phase would determine the depth of the tunnels and any future development potential that could be affected as a result of strata acquisition. This information would form the basis of the Design and Development Overlay that could subsequently be implemented to protect the tunnels. The recommended Environmental Performance Requirements include provision for engaging adjoining landholders (to residences subject to strata acquisition) during the planning, design and implementation stages of the project. Chapter 10 Social and Community Chapter 9 Land Use and Planning Technical Appendix F Social and Community Technical Appendix E Land Use and Planning
Concerns lasting changes to residential streetscapes and were raised, relating to the removal of homes within a heritage overlay or that are of historical significance Concerns that these changes would affect the amenity of the local area 2 – Western portal 8 – Eastern portal Permanent and temporary works associated with Melbourne Metro would be designed to avoid impacts on significant historic buildings and places where practicable. A small number of residential buildings in Kensington and South Yarra would need to be acquired and cleared for the project to be built. The removal of these buildings would not compromise the core heritage values of these area and consideration would be given to archival recording, where required. MMRA recognises that some buildings in the vicinity of the construction area have heritage and historical The recommended Environmental Performance Requirements would ensure that where possible, appropriate measures would be taken to protect these places and elements during construction. Where this is not possible, archival photographs and recordings would take place in accordance with Heritage Victoria Guidelines. A heritage interpretation strategy would be developed for the Project as a whole, which would investigate opportunities to explore historical and Aboriginal cultural heritage themes and recognise heritage places associated with the new stations. Chapter 14 Historical Cultural Heritage Technical Appendix J Historical Cultural Heritage Concerns about whether property acquisition compensation would be sufficient for impacted people to stay in the local area 2 – Western portal Any compensation for permanently acquired properties would be provided in accordance with the Land Acquisition and Compensation Act 1986. Compensation includes market value of the acquired property as at the date of acquisition plus reasonable legal, valuation and other professional fees, as well as disturbance loses (such as stamp duty and conveyancing costs for the replacement property or equivalent value) and other allowances that are case-specific. Chapter 9 Land Use and Planning Chapter 10 Social and Community Technical Appendix E Land Use and Planning Technical Appendix F Social and Community