We welcome the Victorian Government's release of more details around their proposed Suburban Rail Loop project, specifically the SRL East Cheltenham precinct.
The release of more information after months of speculation is long overdue and we will now work through the detail to fully understand the impact on the Bayside community.
Bayside has advocated strongly to the Victorian Government to hear the voice of local communities concerned about the degree of housing density and excessive building heights in particular.
Bayside Mayor, Councillor Hanna El Mouallem said there are still significant concerns about the SRL project despite a reduction in building heights in some areas of the boundary.
"Whilst we are pleased to see a reduction in height in some areas, we remain deeply concerned about the impact of increased heights on the ability to ensure liveable communities for our residents," said Cr El Mouallem.
"We are particularly concerned with the lack of detail on any increases in open space, transport infrastructure, community services and facilities to service the additional population."
"There are also significant concerns that population growth will increase traffic chaos along Bay Road, an important east-west route through Bayside."
We continue the call for Council and our community to have a say on reforms and projects that will dramatically change the place we all love.
We also call on the Victorian Government to work holistically, with reforms that address other factors contributing to a lack of housing including the taxation and development system.
We will continue to engage constructively and will be encouraging active participation by our community in any consultation process to inform better outcomes.
