The Proposals

The North East Link Project’s proposed expansion into the Koonung Creek Trail’s Tram Road Reserve threatens one of our community’s last remaining stretches of established green space.

Current plans involve major boundary changes, extensive flood mitigation works, vegetation removal, and intensified construction activity along a reserve used every day by walkers, cyclists, dog owners, young families, children, and retirees.

Tram Road Reserve - last remaining green refuges in Doncaster

The Tram Road Reserve is not vacant land. It is a living ecological corridor and a vital community space. The reserve provides habitat for local wildlife including kookaburras, possums, Australian king parrots, and rainbow lorikeets, while also offering residents shade, peace, cooling, recreation, and connection to nature in an increasingly urbanised area.

For many residents, the Koonung Creek Trail is part of daily life — a place to walk, cycle, exercise, reflect, connect with neighbours, and spend time outdoors with family. It is one of the few places left where people can still experience quiet and greenery alongside the pressures of city life.

Following the removal of mature trees at Eram Park, many residents feel the Tram Road Reserve has become one of the last remaining green refuges in the area. The prospect of further vegetation loss has deepened fears that these connected natural spaces are being eroded piece by piece, with impacts that cannot easily be reversed.

Community Concern

Residents living beside the reserve are deeply concerned about the scale of vegetation removal proposed, as well as the long-term impacts of construction noise, disruption, and loss of amenity. Many feel that genuine community concerns have not been adequately heard in the planning process.

We recognise the importance of infrastructure and flood mitigation. However, these goals should not come at the unnecessary expense of precious community green space when alternative approaches may exist that better protect both public infrastructure and the natural environment.

We call on the Victorian Government and project authorities to:

1. Reassess the proposed expansion and flood mitigation works affecting the Tram Road Reserve;
2. Minimise vegetation removal and habitat destruction wherever possible;
3. Properly investigate less destructive alternatives;
4. And undertake genuine, transparent consultation with affected residents and community members.

By signing this petition, you are helping protect the Koonung Creek Trail and Tram Road Reserve for current and future generations.


(NOTE:
1. You don't need to donate for your signature to be registered: Just click NO and click share at the bottom of the page.

2. Ensure you list an Australian postcode (esp if you have used change.org in a different country)

3. Check if you need to click a link on a confirmation email (or just check if your name is listed, if you opted for that)

4. Feel free to submit an official submission at https://engage.vic.gov.au/psagc271 (Close  5pm, Wed 27 May 2026)

5. Contact friendsoftramroadreserve@gmail.com if issues

6. Public meeting about the proposed changes: https://www.manningham.vic.gov.au/events/council-meeting-2-june-2026

References:

https://maps.app.goo.gl/m7mUBfpDpXAXY8PY9 (Note that the green spaces at Eram Park are now no longer green but cleared land with earthworks)
https://engage.vic.gov.au/psagc271 (PUBLIC SUBMISSIONS - close 27 May 2026)
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/18c8GUXfGT/?mibextid=wwXIfr (Friends of Eram Park reserve- latest info there)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hpnGu7uS3Uk (video of wildlife along Tram Road Reserve)