There is some confusion in the community that Council is responsible for the LXRP’s planned SUP and the removal of trees along the route when, as you know, Council has no planning powers in this matter as it forms part of the LXRP project. In fact, Council’s alternative proposals for the project and community engagement have been consistently rejected by the LXRP.

While I am very reluctant to share details of these discussions publicly, given ongoing community concern and misinformation around Council’s role, I am writing openly in the hope that we can at least work together to put Council’s many alternative proposals — which we have raised repeatedly with the LXRP — back into consideration.

As you know, as part of the Glen Huntly Level Crossing Removal Project, the LXRP looked at adding to the area’s Principal Bicycle Network (PBN). Initially, they explored an SUP along Leamington Crescent, but it soon became clear Leamington Crescent wasn’t viable, so the LXRP explored alternatives.

The alternative option, first put two years ago, was for a three-metre SUP along Queens Avenue on the nature strip on the western side closest to the Caulfield Racecourse Reserve. Council and the LXRP worked together to determine a viable solution that would achieve a multi-modal outcome, while minimising the loss of trees.

Council did propose a viable preferred SUP design to the LXRP in March 2022, as part of Council’s updated advocacy document. Under our alternative, most trees would be retained.

Unfortunately, we were advised by the LXRP that they would only consider the following two options:

1. A Queens Avenue SUP, which would remove most trees to create a three-metre-wide SUP along all of Queens Avenue, extending the Frankston Rail Trail to Caulfield.
2. A Queens Avenue on-road bi-directional separated cycling lane, which would move the current on-road bike lane to the western side of Queens Avenue and install a kerb to separate cyclists from cars.

The LXRP asked Council for urgent feedback on these two options, as they needed to progress remaining works around the LXRP project. At the time, and given the only two choices available, Council was open to indicating support for the Queens Avenue SUP option, but we asked the LXRP to investigate and respond to some proposed changes first.

Firstly, we advocated for more replanting of suitable canopy trees on the Council road reserve by moving the Racecourse Reserve’s boundary fence, which is located up to 1.3m on Council-owned road reserve. The fence is old and damaged and could be reinstated on the correct boundary as part of the SUP project. We said this would be a tremendous win for the project and the community. However, the LXRP didn’t progress this suggestion.

Secondly, we advocated for Council to have the opportunity to provide feedback into the draft project plan and community engagement plan, to ensure the community’s views could be reflected in the final design. Council has had no such opportunity, and we are extremely concerned with the limited engagement with the community on this very sensitive project.

Council understands that the LXRP wants to progress this project, but we cannot continue to support it while the LXRP continues to actively oppose viable enhancements that would protect tree canopy and has not appeared to be willing to plan collaboratively alongside Council or the community. It is our view that with some compromises and investment it can remain a viable and successful project. 

I urge you to genuinely re-consider these options and request that LXRP works with Council and the community to achieve the best possible outcome at this location.   If you have any queries, please do not hesitate to contact me or Rebecca McKenzie, Chief Executive Officer.

Yours sincerely

CR ANNE-MARIE CADE
MAYOR