By CASEY NEILL
COMMUNITY input could stop Noble Park grade separations from destroying the suburb’s heart, according to City of Greater Dandenong.
The council is urging the State Government to accept its thoughts on plans to remove the level crossings at Heatherton, Chandler and Corrigan roads.
Cr Roz Blades said she was concerned the community would be forced to accept a rail over road design.
“I reckon it would be disastrous for Noble Park,” she said.
“We want the same model as Springvale.”
Mayor Heang Tak said the two tendering consortiums had submitted their bids to the State Government for consideration and selection by an expert panel.
“With a good urban design outcome, the removal of level crossings will enable and support the development of Noble Park activity centre,” he said.
“Conversely, a poor design will hinder Noble Park’s future development.”
Cr Tak said he expected finalising the preferred tenderer and design would include the opportunity for input from the council.
“We will be disappointed if the final decisions were made without any input from council,” he said.
He said consultation on the project revealed that residents, commuters and businesses in Noble Park valued preserving and expanding open space, safe and easy access to public transport options, improved parking to support retail activities, connectivity and a sense of communal place.
Visit www.greaterdandenong.com/document/29266/level-crossing-removal-project for updates.
