4 March 2021
Getting ready for construction
The Victorian Government is fast tracking the removal of the dangerous level crossing at Fitzgerald Road, Ardeer.
Early works are underway to remove the dangerous and congested Fitzgerald Road level crossing and build a road overpass.
To allow for construction of the new road overpass some tree and vegetation removal is required along Fitzgerald Road, Forrest Street and in the rail corridor.
This work will happen in stages. The first phase will start in February with the removal of shrubs, and any required trees, from the rail corridor in preparation for site establishment.
To prepare for construction we have worked closely with our partners to support the local biodiversity and preserve the habitats of local wildlife.
Throughout community consultation we heard how important the green spaces are to the Ardeer community.
More than 200 trees and 150,00 shrubs and grasses will be planted in the project area when the works are complete.
Managing tree and vegetation removal
Throughout community consultation we've heard how important trees and vegetation are to the Ardeer community and we have worked closely with our construction partners to try to minimise vegetation removal and preserve the habitats of local wildlife.
We work with arborists, environmental and sustainability specialists across all of our projects to minimise vegetation removal and to manage the impacts on flora and fauna.
How we remove trees and vegetation
Independent arborists have conducted assessments of trees and vegetation in the area. This assessment helped us identify the structural strength of trees and vegetation, including:
- the size and location of tree roots
- health and life expectancy of trees
- amenity and environmental value that trees provide to the local area
- location of utilities in proximity to trees.
Trees that may pose a safety risk are trimmed or removed.
Before any trees are removed, they are inspected for the presence of wildlife.
Qualified handlers are on site to safely rehome any we find.
What are offsets?
Offsets account for biodiversity losses arising from vegetation removal.
An offset could be the ongoing protection and management of:
- a patch of native vegetation
- one or more scattered trees, or
- an area of revegetation.
Protecting existing vegetation
Tree Protection Zones (TPZs) will be established to protect the remaining trees. TPZs protect the above and below ground parts of a tree during the construction phase.
No Go Zones (NGZs) are also used to protect vegetation, habitat zones, heritage sites and waterways from the impacts of construction.
As a result of the project, the area between the new road and Kororoit Creek will be retained as green space, with improved access from the new shared use path.
What happens with removed trees and vegetation?
Where possible large logs and mulch will be used for landscaping and donated to local community groups, the council and local schools.
Replanting and Landscaping
Tree planting and landscaping will take place once major construction works are completed in 2023.
More information including landscaping plans and what’s being planted in your neighbourhood will be shared with the community as the project progresses.