Goodman Group are demolishing the old Hella factory in Southern Road. They are proposing to subdivide the land into 31 industrial lots.

The only way in and out for all this traffic will be Southern Road and the surrounding streets.

Southern Road is a residential street used daily by families, children, and pedestrians accessing the local park, playground, and kindergarten.

The proposed industrial development will bring substantial increases in heavy vehicle traffic, posing serious safety risks, especially at the choke point at the southern end of Southern Road.

This will also affect the amenity of the local area as heavy vehicles traverse Southern Road causing noise and pollution to residents as well as the surrounding streets as vehicles will attempt to ‘cut through’.

Goodman has already obtained Council approval to remove 12 mature, healthy trees and now seeks approval to remove an additional 20 indigenous trees, leaving the area completely bare.

The original subdivision was approved by Council without considering resident objections, appropriate consultation or even a Councillor vote in September 2024.

We acknowledge the right of the applicant to develop the site, but there must be a balanced outcome for the community.

Traffic will increase exponentially. But there are options to resolve it

Direct traffic via Second Avenue – This would ensure industrial traffic is routed through Second Avenue to connect the with the Moorabbin Airport industrial precinct and keep it off our residential streets.

Direct traffic via Bundora Parade – Ensure all entry and exit points to the new estate use Bundora Parade and not Southern Road.

Extend Southern Road to Second Avenue – and implement road design changes to prevent Southern Road from becoming a major industrial thoroughfare - like the existing approach used in Voltri St.

Instead of removing all trees, retain two blocks (on Lot A) as a natural open space park, preserving tree cover and biodiversity.

Create a Green Community Hub on Southern Road - convert blocks 22 and 23 into a public space with a café, bakery, or milk bar, serving the new workforce while reducing unnecessary car trips.

A well-designed café with outdoor seating and greenery would benefit both workers and local residents, revitalizing the area.

We demand:

• The City of Kingston arrange for formal consultation with residents to ensure community concerns are addressed.
• Extend the public consultation period to allow more residents to engage with the process.
• Engage with the developer and require traffic alternatives are implemented and that green space is protected.
• Make tree preservation and community infrastructure a condition of any further approvals.

Southern Road is undergoing significant change, and careful planning is essential to protect its safety, liveability, and environmental values. We believe these solutions create a win-win outcome for all stakeholders.