New life for rail space

Residents have been invited to shape the under-rail open space that removing Noble Park’s level crossings will create.
The Level Crossing Removal Authority (LXRA) wants to hear from locals about shared paths, outdoor fitness equipment and lighting.
A Community Open Space Panel has put forward recommendations about practical ways to make the park appealing for commuters and exercisers, including bike repair stands and fitness stations.
Those ideas will now be tested with the community as part of the survey, which will run through March.
Project director Brett Summers said community consultation on the open space would run until mid‐year.
“This is about encouraging people to get outdoors and add activities into their everyday life,” he said.
“It’s important that we are taking into account a range of considerations from the people who will actually be using this parkland.”
The wider level crossing removal project will build 12 kilometres of shared paths for commuters, cyclists and pedestrians, creating a continuous route from Monash University to the EastLink trail, beyond Yarraman Station.
Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne director and chief executive Professor Tim Entwisle led the expert panel that provided the recommendations for the consultation process.
“This is a rare and genuinely exciting opportunity to shape a new parkland,” Professor Entwisle said.
The panel also surveyed residents about what vegetation they’d like to see in the new spaces.
The results showed a strong preference for native species and trees that attracted birdlife.
“We also received strong support for a concept for distinctive planting designs for different suburbs to reflect the local character of the areas,” Professor Entwisle said.
The Heatherton, Corrigan and Chandler roads level crossings in Noble Park are being removed through the Caulfield to Dandenong Project which is expected to be completed by late 2018.
Visit your.levelcrossings.vic.gov.au to get involved.