Back out and about in North East communities

Victoria Projects Stakeholder Engagement and Communications Manager Samantha Smith said it has been important for project teams to get back out into North East communities. 

“We’ve set up seven regular pop-up locations across the North East to encourage more local conversations about the North East Rail Line upgrade and Inland Rail project in Victoria. Handing out information and goodies has generally increased our presence in these towns,” she said.  

“Since 17 November, we’ve had more than 260 conversations across Wandong, Broadford, Avenel, Euroa, Glenrowan and Wangaratta. The newly opened Benalla shop front has also been well attended. 

“We will be maintaining a regular presence in your town in 2021 and look forward to getting back out there in mid-January.” 

Some key discussion themes emerged from the recent information sessions. 

Glenrowan:

We spoke to 45 locals across two sessions and you talked about:

• Significance of the siege site and how we will manage impacts there
• Connectivity of the township (bridge is the only viable crossing)
• Cycling and pedestrian popularity and safety of using the bridge.

Wangaratta:

We spoke to 140 people across four sessions and you talked about:

• ARTC works have resulted in reduced train noise along the line 
• Works in Wangaratta should focus on connecting both sides of the city via the Station precinct
• Understanding the underpass concept.

Euroa:

We spoke to 50 locals across three sessions and you talked about: 

• Concerns that the bridge will be higher and more dangerous (bridge currently has a sharp turn at the top to access the station carpark)
• Binney Street pedestrian crossing would be effective for the town
• Where will the road surface start rising on the approach to the new Anderson Street bridge (houses on Anderson Street will be affected) 
• Public toilets were often raised, and interest in more park land
• Complexities surrounding replacing a bridge with a level crossing
• Euroa Station, its current state, is not appealing and lacks character. 

Wandong: 

We spoke to six locals across two sessions and you talked about: 

• Improving safety for motorists and pedestrians on the Broadford-Wandong Road Bridge and the approach to the bridge.
• Understanding potential impacts and how they will be managed
• Local employment opportunities.

Broadford: 

We spoke to 11 locals across three sessions and you talked about: 

• Improving pedestrian connectivity at Short Street bridge
• Learning more about noise and vibration 
• Opportunities for local businesses
• Ensuring the new bridges are safe for motorists, pedestrians and mobility scooters.

Avenel:

We spoke to 10 locals and you talked about: 

• Learning more about the benefits of the project
• Understanding the project scope for Victoria
• Construction timeframes

Our project teams want to thank those who’ve stopped to say ‘hi’ and provided some valuable feedback on our plans. 

We’re taking a break from 24 December, but will be back mid-January 2021, so keep an eye our website for key dates at session locations near you here.