ABBOTTS ROAD Consultation Report · Newsletter Community information sessions Doorknock of local...

ABBOTTSROAD

ConsultationReport

December2016

LevelCrossingRemovalAuthorityConsultationReport|2

TableofContents1 Introduction ................................................................................................................................................. 3

1.1 Project overview ............................................................................................................................. 31.2 Project context ............................................................................................................................... 4

2 Community Engagement Approach ............................................................................................................ 42.1 Snapshot of engagement ............................................................................................................... 42.2 Consultation overview .................................................................................................................... 62.3 Overarching consultation objectives .............................................................................................. 72.3.1 Community Information Sessions .................................................................................................. 22.3.2 Community newsletters .................................................................................................................. 32.3.3 Doorknocks .................................................................................................................................... 32.3.4 One-on-one meetings .................................................................................................................... 42.3.5 Web and email updates ................................................................................................................. 72.3.6 Consultation on the proposed Planning Scheme Amendment ...................................................... 72.3.7 Social media engagement ............................................................................................................. 72.3.8 Key Stakeholder Briefings ............................................................................................................ 132.3.9 Industry Forums ........................................................................................................................... 132.3.10 Business Liaison Group .............................................................................................................. 14

3 Feedback – what we’ve heard .................................................................................................................. 163.1 Overarching themes and key issues – phase one consultation ................................................... 163.2 Phase 1a consultation .................................................................................................................. 183.2.1 Key themes .................................................................................................................................. 183.2.2 Feedback on the alternative option (to connect Remington Drive and Pound Road West and close Abbotts Road) .................................................................................................................................. 203.3 Phase 1b consultation .................................................................................................................. 203.3.1 Key themes .................................................................................................................................. 213.3.2 Feedback on the removal options ................................................................................................ 213.3.3 Feedback on decision to rule out option to connect Remington Drive and Pound Road and close Abbotts Road ............................................................................................................................................ 223.4 Phase two consultation ................................................................................................................ 233.4.1 Key themes .................................................................................................................................. 233.5 Phase 3 consultation .................................................................................................................... 233.5.1 Key themes .................................................................................................................................. 24

4 Engagement outcomes ............................................................................................................................. 264.1 Phase one engagement outcomes .............................................................................................. 264.2 Phase two engagement outcomes ............................................................................................... 264.3 Phase three engagement outcomes ............................................................................................ 274.3.1 Key considerations for a future Alliance ....................................................................................... 27


1 Introduction

TheVictorianGovernmentisremoving50dangerousandcongestedlevelcrossingsacross metropolitan Melbourne, including the Abbotts Road level crossing inDandenongSouth.Thiscrossingisoneoftheworst,havingseentwofatalitiesandthirteentrainpassengersinjuredattheboomgatesinthepastsevenyears.

Thisdocumentprovidesa summaryof feedbackandoutcomesof communityandstakeholderconsultationfortheAbbottsRoad,DandenongSouthlevelcrossing.

1.1 ProjectoverviewInNovember2015, theVictorianGovernmentannounced itwould fast-track theremovalof thelevelcrossingatAbbottsRoad,DandenongSouth.InpreliminarydiscussionswithCouncilandIndustryGroups,theLevelCrossingRemovalAuthority(LXRA)wereinformedhistoricalplansforaroadlinkconnectingRemingtonDriveandPoundRoadWest.ThislinkhadbeensoughtbyCouncilandlocalindustryoverdecadestorelievecongestionthroughouttheDandenongSouthPrecinct.In February 2016, the LXRA sought community feedback on a proposed option to remove theAbbotts Road level crossing by building an alternative road linking RemingtonDrive and PoundRoadWestandclosingAbbottsRoad.LXRA considered it important to seek feedback on this option, including how the closure ofAbbotts Road would impact businesses in the area. This consultation provided a strongerunderstandingoftheissuesconcerninglocalbusinesses,inparticularifAbbottsRoadwasclosed.FollowingstrongfeedbackfromthecommunityandlocalbusinessesregardingtheoptiontocloseAbbottsRoadaspartofthelevelcrossingremoval,LXRAchangeditsapproachinMarch2016andembarkedonathreephaseconsultationprocess,seekingfeedbackonanadditionalfouroptionstoremovethelevelcrossingwhilecontinuingitsanalysisoftheRemingtonDriveoption.Takingintoaccountthefeedbackfromthisfirstphaseofconsultation,alongwiththeresultsofathoroughmulti-criteria assessment of each of the five options, in June 2016 the project teamshortlistedtwofeasibleoptions–buildingaroadbridgeovertheraillineandbuildingarailbridgeoverAbbottsRoad.Thesecondphaseofconsultation,inJuly2016,sawLXRAseekfeedbackontheseoptionsinordertofurtherrefinedesignsandselectapreferredsolution.


The design solution – a rail bridge over Abbotts Road - was announced to the community inSeptember 2016, with the final design for the bridge structure to be determined by theconstructorsonceacontractisawarded.Awardofcontractwilltakeplaceduring2017,withconstructionexpectedtobegininearly2018andthecrossingtoberemovedby2019.

1.2 ProjectcontextDandenongSouthisagrowingemploymentandinnovationhub.ItiscurrentlythesecondlargestNationalEmploymentClusterinVictoria(2014),accommodating55,000employees.Theclusterisa focal point for logistics and manufacturing, representing the largest single destination forimportedcontainersacrossmetropolitanMelbourne.Inrecognitionofthis,impactonbusinessesisakeyconsiderationinselectingthefinalsolutiontoremovethelevelcrossing.Thelocalindustryandworkforcerelyheavilyonthelocalroadnetworkandconnectinghighways.Between65-70percentofthosewhowork intheareatravelbycartoworkand45-50percenthaveabackgroundintrade,manufacturingorlabour.Anestimated10,000residentstravelfromotherpartsoftheCityofGreaterDandenongareatowork in the precinct. The SouthGippslandHighway,which runs further up past the suburbs ofHallam,Lyndhurst,HamptonParkandLynbrookalsorunsdirectlybetweentheDandenongSouthindustrialprecinct.TheCranbourneRailCorridorservesoneofMelbourne’smostvitaleconomiccentres,aswellasthevastandgrowingresidentialareaswithin theSouthEasternGrowthCorridor.EncompassingDandenong,Frankston,Knox,KingstonandMulgrave,thiscorridorcurrentlyservesapopulationofaround335,886peoplesupporting86,000jobs(2011)*.Understanding the surrounding area, its transport networks and industrial uses was vital indeterminingthebestsolutiontoremovethelevelcrossingatAbbottsRoad.IthasalsoshapedthewayLXRAhasengagedwiththecommunityontheproject.*http://abs.gov.au/websitedbs/censushome.nsf/home/quickstats,http://www.mpa.vic.gov.au/planning-activities/employment-clusters/

2 CommunityEngagementApproach

2.1 SnapshotofengagementApproximately325 localbusinessowners, tradersandpropertyownerscontributed feedbackaspartoftheproject’sconsultationprogram,which includedninecommunity informationsessions


heldbetweenFebruaryandOctober2016, aswell as two industry forumson17Marchand21October2016.Morethan90people, includinglandowners,businessowners, localgovernmentrepresentatives,residents,commutersandemployeesattendedthefirstindustryforum,toworkshopandprovidefeedbackonthefivepossibleoptionstoremovethelevelcrossing.Attendance at the second industry forum was much lower, with sixteen people. LXRA soughtfeedback from the attendees about two potential bridge structure designs and constructionimpacts,aswellasprojectconsultationandengagement.LXRA established a Business LiaisonGroup to enhance community involvement in the planninganddesignoftheproject.Throughouttheengagementprocess,seniorprojectstaffalsometone-on-onewithmorethan30ownersof properties andbusinesses in closeproximity to the crossing, todiscuss thepotentialimpactsofeachdesignoptioninfurtherdetail.AbbottsRoadphasesone&twocommunityengagementsnapshot(December2015-September2016)

Fourcommunitypop-upsatstations

andshoppingcentres

Fourteencouncillorbriefings,

meetingsandworkshopswith

localcouncils

Ninecommunitydrop-ininformation

andfeedbacksessionssince

February2016

Morethan150businesses

doorknockedintheareasurrounding

thelevelcrossing

Sixemailupdatestoover1,800

subscriberstotheAbbottsRoad

LevelCrossingRemovalProject

Twoindustryforums,attendedby

around115localbusinessowners,

workersandrepresentatives

Morethan30,000community

newslettersdistributedtoresidents

andlocalbusinesses

SixBusinessLiaisonGroupmeetings

withrepresentativesfrom

localindustry


2.2 ConsultationoverviewFromDecember2015untilFebruary2016,LXRA’scommunityconsultationsoughtfeedbackontheoptiontoremovetheAbbottsRoadlevelcrossingbycreatinganalternativeroadlinkconnectingRemington Drive and Pound Road West, and closing Abbotts Road permanently. Preliminaryinvestigations and early discussions with the local council and industry groups indicated thisoptionwouldbenefittheDandenongSouthPrecinctbyimprovingtrafficflowthroughthearea.Communityconsultation(referredtointhisreportasPhase1a)providedastrongerappreciationof the issues concerning local businesses and the potential impact to the surrounding area ifAbbottsRoadwasclosedpermanently.Following strong feedback from local industry, LXRA changed its consultation approach and inMarch2016,embarkedonanextensive threephaseconsultationprogram,seeking feedbackontheRemingtonDriveoptionaswellasanadditionalfouroptionstoremovethelevelcrossing.Forthepurposeofthisreport,phaseoneoftheconsultationprogramisbrokenintotwosections:Phase1a,whenfeedbackwassoughtontheRemingtonDriveoption,whichinvolvedtheclosureofAbbottsRoad;andPhase1b,whenfeedbackwassoughtonfivepossiblesolutions.Phase1a.‘TelluswhatyouthinkabouttheRemingtonDriveoption(February2016)

Engagementpurpose Engagementactivity

ListeningtothecommunityandindustrytoassistintherefinementoftheRemingtonDriveoption

Newsletter

Communityinformationsessions

Doorknockoflocalbusinesses

Keystakeholdermeetings

Phase1b.‘Telluswhatisimportanttoyou’(March–May2016)


Listeningtothecommunityandindustrytoassistinthedevelopment and assessment of the five possibleoptions

Identifyingashortlistoffeasiblesolutions

Newsletters


Doorknockoflocalbusinesses


IndustryForum

EstablishmentofBusinessLiaisonGroup

One-on-onemeetingswithbusiness/propertyowners


Phase2.‘Whatdoyouthinkofourshortlistedoptions?’(July–August2016)


Sharingconsultationsummary

Presentfeasibledesignoptionswithmoredetail

Seekfeedbacktorefinedesignsandfinalisesolution

Highlight design elements that respond to communityfeedbacksofar


Newsletters


BusinessLiaisonGroupMeeting#3and#4

Phone calls to all business/property ownersmetwith inphase1

Phase3.‘Thisisoursolution?’(October–December2016)


Announcesolutionforremoval

Inform public of proposed Planning Scheme Amendment&seekfeedbackonamendment

Bridgestructuredesignrefinement

Presentconsultationoutcomeandnextsteps

Inform community about the construction timelines andpotentialconstructionimpact

BusinessLiaisonGroupMeetings

Mediarelease

Newsletters

Communityinformationsession

IndustryForum

CouncilandMPbriefings

Emailupdates

2.3 Overarchingconsultationobjectives

• Demonstrate a commitment to genuine consultationwith the community andother keystakeholderstodelivermajorinfrastructureprojectsthatimprovesafetyandthetransportnetwork,whilealsomeetingtheneedsoflocalbusinessesandthecommunity.

• Toprovideclarityand informcommunitymembersandother stakeholdersof thescope,

timingandfundingoftheproject.

• To present design options, including solutions involving rail over/under and roadover/under,andtoseekinputfromthecommunityontheseoptions.

• To gain a greater understanding of how the Dandenong South Industrial precinct iscurrentlyusedbylocalbusinessesandcommuters,andthepotentialbenefitsandimpactsthelevelcrossingremovaloptionsmayhaveonthem.

• Toallowcommunitymembersandotherstakeholderstheopportunitytocontributetothe

projectdesign,developmentandselectionofashortlistofdesignoptions.


2.3.1 CommunityInformationSessions

Communityinformationsessiondetails

Date Location

10&16February,2016 HallamRecreationReserveHall,Hallam

25February,2016 AWBell,DandenongSouth

4March,2016 NissanCasting,DandenongSouth

28April,2016 NissanCasting,DandenongSouth

7May,2016 DandenongCivicCentre,Dandenong

20&22July2016 AWBell,DandenongSouth

21October2016 AWBell,DandenongSouthThese sessions sought feedback from community and local businesses on the removal of theAbbottsRoad level crossing.Thesessionsalsogavepeopleanopportunity toaskquestionsandflagconcernsdirectlywiththeprojectteam.BetweensixandeightLXRAstaff, includingprojectengineers,attendedeachsessionto listentofeedback,answerquestionsanddiscussthedesignoptionsindetailwiththecommunity.Thesessionswereundertakenusinga‘drop-in’format,wherepeoplecouldtakepartininformaldiscussionswithprojectengineersandhavetheirsayinpersonorbycompletingafeedbackform.Theinformationsessionswerepromotedthroughthefollowingchannels:

• Projectcommunityupdatesmailedtoapproximately5,200localresidentsandbusinessesanddistributedduringadoorknockofapproximately100businessessurroundingthelevelcrossing

• PostersplacedattrainstationsalongtheCranbournelineandofferedtolocaltraders• Advertisementsinthetwolocalnewspapersfortwoweeksleadinguptothesessions• Postcards distributed at station and shopping centre pop-ups, at local cafes in the

DandenongSouthprecinctandletterboxdroppedintheleaduptosessions• Online, including via the LXRA website, email updates to over 1,800 subscribers and

creationofFacebook‘events’andTwitter

Thefollowingmaterialswerepresentedatinformationsessions:

• Annotatedplotmapsshowingproposeddesigns• Posters presenting information about the Abbotts Road site characteristics, project

timelineandartistsimagesofinitialpotentialdesigns• Fact sheets presenting general information about the options available to remove level

crossings,aswellassite-specificinformation• Feedback forms; postage paid envelopeswere also provided to allow attendees to take

timetoconsidertheirsubmissionspriortofillinginfeedbackforms


• Presentationofthebenefitsandchallengesofthedesignoptionstoencouragepeopletoconsiderthetechnicalaspectsofeachoption

• Videoshowing3DanimationofthedesignsolutionParticipantswere encouraged to complete feedback forms at these sessions. The forms soughtfeedbackon:

• WhatisimportanttothelocalcommunityinrelationtotheremovalofthelevelcrossingatAbbottsRoad

• Howpeopleusetheroadnetworkinthearea• Howbusinessesaccesstheirpropertiesandwhattypesofvehiclestheyuse• Potentialimpactsofeachdesignsolutiontothecommunityandlocalbusinesses• Consideration of the technical and construction challenges of the project site and how

thesemayimpactpeopleorbusinesses

Feedbackfromthesessionshelpedtheprojectteamto:

• Identifyfeasibleoptionsfortheremovalofthelevelcrossing• Informdevelopmentandselectionofashortlistoffeasibledesignoptions• Selectadesignsolutionfortheremovalofthelevelcrossing• CompilekeyconsiderationstoinformdesignfinalisationandconstructionbyanAlliance

2.3.2 CommunitynewslettersSinceDecember2015,LXRAhasdistributedfourcommunityupdatesabouttheAbbottsRoadlevelcrossingremovalprojecttosurroundingbusinessesandresidencesvia letterboxdropsandmail-outstolandownersbycouncilonbehalfofLXRA.Phase1asawthefirstnewsletterletterboxdroppedtoapproximately700properties.Followingfeedback from the community and the Member for Dandenong, Gabrielle Williams, thedistribution area for community updates was expanded to encompass 5,200 propertiessurroundingthelevelcrossing. Inaddition,morethan1,500landownerswerecontactedbypostwiththeassistanceoftheCityofGreaterDandenongCouncil(tocomplywithprivacyconstraints).The expanded distribution area (map page 6) helped ensure LXRA increased communityawarenessabouttheprojectandreachedasmanypotentiallyimpactedstakeholdersaspossible,toinvitethemtohavetheirsayontheproject.

2.3.3 DoorknocksInFebruary2016,LXRAprojectengineersandcommunicationsstaffdoorknockedapproximately100 businesses in the area surrounding the Abbotts Rd level crossing to introduce the project.Staff distributed a letter inviting people to attend a drop-in information session at a localDandenongSouthbusinessandtalkedtobusinesses indetailaboutthepotential impactsoftheproposedplantoremovethelevelcrossingbyconnectingRemingtonDriveandPoundRoadWestand closing Abbotts Road. LXRA staff asked business owners for information about how they


access their properties, what types of vehicles are involved, and the direction and times fordeliveriestoandfromtheirbusinesses.The information gatheredduring thedoorknockprovided invaluable understandingof the largevarietyofbusinessesoperatingwithin theprecinct and their diverse access, traffic anddeliveryneeds.Thedoorknockwashighlysuccessfulinengagingpeople,manyofwhomwhohadnotheardabouttheprojectthroughpriormeansofengagement,suchasthecommunitynewsletter,trainstationpop-ups,postersandnewspaperadvertisements.Thedoorknockpromptedmanypeopletocomealongtothenextdrop-ininformationsessionatalocalbusinessintheDandenongSouthindustrialprecinct.Subsequently,morethan45peopleattendedthenextsession,whichwasamuchhighernumberthanatprevioussessions.Themaponpage six shows thedistributionareas for the communitynewsletters; thearea theprojectteamdoorknocked;andthebusinessestheprojectteammetwithone-on-one.InOctober2016,theprojectteamdoorknockedapproximately70businessesdirectlyabuttingtherailcorridor,wherethemajorityofconstructionworkstobuildtherailbridgewilltakeplace.Theteamhighlightedtheopportunityforthesebusinessestomakesubmissionsaspartoftheplanningschemeamendmentprocess.Staffalsoofferedone-on-onemeetingstoallbusinessestheyspokewith.

2.3.4 One-on-onemeetingsSinceMarch 2016, seniormembers of the project teamhavemetwithmore than 30 land andbusinessownersandoperators, todiscussthepotential impactsdifferent levelcrossingremovalsolutionsmayhaveontheirbusinessoperations.Athree-prongedapproachaimedtoensuretheprojectteameffectivelyreachedtherightpeople.Thisinvolvedmeetingwith:• Landowners whose properties would be impacted by either the road over or road under

optionstoremovethelevelcrossing.• Significant and high profile businesses with interests in the Dandenong South industrial

precinct.• Landandbusinessownerswithahighlevelofinterestintheproject.LXRAwillcontinuetoofferone-on-onemeetingswithstakeholderswhocontactuswithconcernsorqueriesabouttheprojectasitprogresses.


Feedbackfromthesemeetings indicatedpopularity forarailbridgesolutionoverAbbottsRoad,whichwouldhaveminimumimpacttobusinesses,bothduringconstructionandlong-term.Alargenumberoflandandbusinessownerstheprojectteammetwithstatedthattheywouldbesignificantly impacted by either a road over or road under solution at Abbotts Road, due tonecessarylandacquisitionthatwouldleadtoalossofparkingorbusinessfrontageandsignificantchanges to vehicle access to properties. Some businesses indicated that may even need torelocate,ifsuchsolutionsarechosen.Alargenumberofbusinessownersthatmetwiththeprojectteamsaidtheywerepleasedtohavethe opportunity to discuss the project in detail, one-on-one with senior staff, with manycommentingpositivelyontheproject’sconsultationprocess.


Figure1.Map–DandenongSouthcommunityengagement


2.3.5 WebandemailupdatesSincetheprojectbegan,morethan1,800peoplehaveregisteredtoreceiveemailupdatesabouttheAbbottsRoadlevelcrossingremovalproject.The first email updatewas sent to1,100 subscriberson22April 2016.Of those recipients, 611(56%),openedtheupdate.The second email update went to 1,303 subscribers on 24May 2016 and was opened by 814(63.45%)ofrecipients.Thethirdemailupdatetosubscribers,sentto1,407subscriberson29June2016,wasopenedby754 (54%) of recipients and generated an increase in traffic to the Abbotts Road webpage onLXRA’swebsite.Thefourthemailupdate,sentto1,826subscriberson23September2016,wasopenedby49%ofrecipients.Further email updates, sent on 10 and 28 October 2016, were sent to 1,855 subscribers andopenedby51%and46%respectively.Todate,sincethededicatedAbbottsRoadlevelcrossingremovalprojectwebpagewentliveon7January2016,therehasbeenmorethan2,700uniquepageviews.

2.3.6 ConsultationontheproposedPlanningSchemeAmendmentPhasethreeconsultationalso involvedcontactingownersandoccupierspotentially impactedbytheproject,aspartoftheformalPlanningSchemeAmendment(PSA)process.Aspartofthisconsultation,LXRAsentletterstoapproximately350landownersandoccupiersincloseproximitytotheproposedprojectarea,invitingthemtomakeaformalsubmissionabouttheprojectandreceivedninewrittensubmissionsinresponsefromlocalbusinessoperators.AfurthersubmissionwasreceivedfromGreaterDandenongCityCouncilwhoisthePlanningAuthorityfortheGreaterDandenongPlanningScheme.ThefeedbackreceivedduringthePSAprocesshasbeenincorporatedintothisreportandwillalsoform part of LXRA’s formal application to theMinister for Planning, for an amendment to theGreaterDandenongPlanningScheme.

2.3.7 SocialmediaengagementSinceDecember2015,atotalofsixFacebookpostsabouttheAbbottsRoadlevelcrossingremovalprojecthavereachedanaudienceofmorethan41,000people.Detailsofthesepostsarebelow.


FacebookThefirstFacebookpostabouttheAbbottsRoadlevelcrossingremovalwason3December2015,whenMinisterforPublicTransportJacintaAllanannouncedthefasttrackingoffourlevelcrossingremovals, includingAbbotts Road inDandenong South. The post reached an audience of 8,187people,engaging525Facebookusers.

The below Facebook post on 24May 2016, announcing that Abbotts Roadwould remain openafterthelevelcrossingisremoved,reachedanaudienceof4,349.


Thispost,on12 July2016,promoting thecommunity informationsessionsseeking feedbackontheshortlistedoptions,reached1,000people.

Thispost,on20September2016,reachedmorethan14,000people,announcingthatExpressionsofInteresthadopenedforacontractortodelivertheAbbottsRoadlevelcrossingremovalaspartofapackageofworksincludingfiveotherlevelcrossingremovalsinMelbourne’swest.


On28September2016,thispostannouncedthattheAbbottsRoadlevelcrossingwouldberemovedbybuildingarailbridgeovertheroad.Itreachedover8,800people.

Thispostfrom12October2016,promotingthesecondindustryforum,reachedanaudienceofmorethan4,170.


TwitterTwitterisanotherplatformtopromotecommunityconsultationopportunitiesandprojectmilestonesorannouncements,especiallytomediaandotherinterestedstakeholders.BelowaretheTweetsfromtheLXRAaccountrelatingtoAbbottsRoad.12July2016

19July2016


20September2016

28September2016


2.3.8 KeyStakeholderBriefingsThroughout the planning and development stages of the project, the project team hasworkedwithanumberofkeystakeholderstokeeptheminformedandinvolvedinitsprogress,including:IndustryGroups CommitteeforDandenong

SouthEastMelbourneManufacturersAlliance(SEMMA)SouthEasternBusinessNetwork(SEBN)

LocalGovernment CityofGreaterDandenongCityofCasey

StateGovernment GabrielleWilliamsMP,MemberforDandenongVictorianOfficeoftheGovernmentArchitect

Relevantagencies PublicTransportVictoria(PTV)VicTrackVicRoads

MetroTrainsMelbourneRelevantplanningauthorities HeritageVictoria

DepartmentofEnvironment,Land,Water&PlanningOfficeoftheVictorianGovernmentArchitectAboriginalAffairsVictoria

Utilitiesauthorities APAGasElgasMelbourneWaterSouthEastWaterUnitedEnergyVivaEnergy

Keybusinesses SALTAPellicano

2.3.9 IndustryForumsMarch2016OnTuesday17March2016,LXRA,withthesupportofCapireConsultingGroup,heldanindustryforumtodiscussoptionsfortheremovalofthelevelcrossingonAbbottsRoad.The purpose of the forumwas to better understand the importance of Abbotts Road for localbusinesses and industry. LXRA also sought community input on five design options and keyconsiderationsthatneedtobetakenintoaccountwhenselectingapreferreddesign.


Approximately 90 people attended the forum, comprising landowners, business owners, localgovernmentrepresentatives,residents,commutersandemployees.LXRApresentedthe fivedesignoptions for the levelcrossingremovalandhighlightedfactors toconsider when determining the most feasible options. Participants were then given theopportunity to ask questions of a panel that consisted of Gabrielle Williams Member forDandenong,BernhardHeld,SeniorProjectManagerLXRAandKevinDevlin,CEOLXRA.Followingthequestions to thepanel, participantshad30minutes toprovide individual commentson thefive options in their feedback forms. Facilitators at each table, aswell as LXRA engineerswereavailableduringthistimetoprovideclarificationandanswerquestions.The presentation from the industry forum is publicly available on LXRA’s website, as is theconsultationreportbyCapireConsulting,whichisalsoincludedasAppendix1inthisreport.LXRAsoughtnominationsattheforumforaBusinessLiaisonGroup.ThoseselectedtoformthegroupmakeupabalancedrepresentationofthelocalindustryandareassistingLXRAbyprovidinginputonthedevelopmentandselectionofdesignsolutionsfortheAbbottsRoadproject.October2016On21October2016,LXRAhostedasecondindustryforumtoupdatestakeholdersontheproject,includingthepreferreddesignoptionforthecrossingremoval,presentengagementfindingssofarandhearinsightsfromaBLGmember’sperspective.Theprojectteamalsosoughtfeedbackfromtheattendeesabouttwopotentialbridgestructuredesigns and construction impacts. This feedbackwill be provided to prospective proponents toinformtheirbiddingdocumentationtoconstructtheproject.Capirecompiledthefeedbackfromtheforumintoareport(Appendix2ofthisdocument).Unlike at the first industry forum, where participants expressed dissatisfaction with LXRA’sengagementapproach,thenatureofthediscussionsbetweentheprojectteamandparticipantswerecollaborativeandfocussedonimprovingthefinalsolution.Theatmosphereintheroomwasfriendlyandthereweremanytwo-waydiscussionsbetweentheprojectteamandparticipants.

2.3.10 BusinessLiaisonGroupFollowing the first industry forum, in March 2016, the LXRA, with support from independentconsultancy Capire, established a Business Liaison Group (BLG) to enhance communityinvolvement in the planning of the level crossing removal, particularly in relation tominimisingimpactsonlocalbusinesses.Thegroupcomprisesoftwelvemembers,representingavarietyofbigandsmallbusinesseswithintheDandenongSouthIndustrialPrecinct.


TheBLG,chairedbyGabrielleWilliams,MemberforDandenong,helditsfirstmeetingon05May,wherethemembersagreedonthegroup’stermsofreference.Theprojectteamtookthegroupthroughthemulti-criteriaanalysisofeachofthefivepossibleoptionstoremovetheAbbottsRdlevelcrossing,seekinginputfromBLGmembersoneachoption.Atthesecondmeetingon23May2016,thememberssupportedLXRA’sshortlistoftwooptions,indicatingthattherailoveroptionispreferred.The BLGmet twice during phase two of the project’s consultation, on 12 July and 15 August,wherethemembershelpedtheprojectteamtorefinetheshortlisteddesignsandselectadesignsolution for the Abbotts Road level crossing removal. Members unanimously supported theselectionoftherailbridgesolution.The BLG met twice more, during phase three of consultation, to discuss different options forbridge structures, how they are likely to be built and the potential impacts to local businessesduring construction. This feedbackwill help the contractor todetermine the finalbridgedesignandconstructionandwillhelpinformtheirdeliveryoftheproject.


3 Feedback–whatwe’veheard

Feedbackduringprojectconsultationhascome in two forms:qualitative feedbackgatheredduringadoorknockof localbusinesses,one-on-onemeetings,andverbalfeedback at drop-in sessions; and written feedback forms providing a mix ofqualitativeandquantitativedatafromthecommunitydrop-insessions.Theprojectteam also gathered feedback via the LXRA Facebook page, and from email andphoneenquiries.

3.1 Overarchingthemesandkeyissues–phaseoneconsultation

As the above chart shows, the overall feedback received during the first phase of consultationfocussedonfivekeyissues:removalmethod,localaccessandconnectivity,trafficmovementandchangestotrafficandtheproject’sengagementprocessandactivities.RemovalmethodLocalbusinessesandcommunityindicatedthattheydidnotexpecttheinitiallyproposedremovaloptionwouldinvolveclosingAbbottsRoadpermanently.


Feedbackgatheredduringthisphaseofconsultationgavetheprojectteamagreaterappreciationof the issues concerning local businesses, in particular the potential impact to the surroundingareaifAbbottsRoadwasclosedtotraffic,andthesignificantoperationalissuesthatanincreasedtrafficvolumealongRemingtonDriveandPoundRoadWestwouldcauseforbusinesseslocatedinthestreetsrunningoffit.TrafficDuringphaseoneofconsultation,18.6percentofpeopletoldtheprojectteamtheyweremostconcernedaboutimpactstotraffic,particularlyifAbbottsRoadwasclosedandtrafficwasdivertedalonganewroadconnection.Manypeoplecited thedelaysat theSouthGippslandHighway intersectionwithPoundRoadasthecauseoftrafficdelaysinthearea,ratherthanthelevelcrossingonAbbottsRoad,andfeltthatthis congestion point would only be worsened by diverting traffic from Abbotts Road alongRemington Drive and Pound Road. A large number of employees from the local area wereconcernedaboutadditionaltraveltimetoandfromworkasaresultofclosingAbbottsRoadandrerouting traffic along Remington Drive. It became clear that whilemost were supportive of aRemingtonDriveandPoundRoadWestconnection, theybelieved itmustbe inaddition toandnotinsteadofanAbbottsRoadconnection.


3.2 Phase1aconsultationFrom December 2015 until February 2016, during Phase 1a of the project’s communityconsultation,LXRAsoughtfeedbackontheoptiontocreateanalternativeroadlinkbyconnectingRemingtonDriveandPoundRoadWestwhichwould involve thepermanent closureofAbbottsRoad.Keyissues,commentsandthemesthatemergedfromPhase1aareoutlinedhere.

3.2.1 Keythemes

CommunityengagementA large proportion (57 per cent) of the feedback from Phase 1a related to the project’sconsultationprocess,withmanycommunitymembersunhappythatLXRAwasseekingfeedbackononlyoneoption,ratherthanpresentingallpotentialdesignsfromtheoutset.A project fact sheet was delivered to around 700 properties in the area surrounding the levelcrossinginDecember2015,however,atcommunitydrop-insessionsinFebruaryanddoorknocksto local businesses inMarch,manypeople told theproject team itwas the first time theyhadheardsignificantamountsabouttheproject.


LocalaccessandconnectivityAlargeproportionoffeedbackreceivedaspartofPhase1ashowedlocalaccessandconnectivitytobeanimportantissueforstakeholders.Consultation revealed thevarietyofbusinessesoperating in the industrial area surrounding thelevel crossing and their complex transport, vehicle and access needs.Many of them are large,logisticsbusinesseswithB-Doublesemi-trailersmakingdeliveriesandpick-upsthroughoutthedayandnight,forwhomchangestovehicleaccesstotheirpropertiescouldhavesignificantimpactontheirbusinessoperations.Every business has unique requirements and each level crossing removal option has differentimplicationsfordifferentbusinessesdependingontheirlocation,thetypeofvehiclestheyuseandthewaytheyconductbusiness.Understandingthevariedandcomplexaccessneedsoflocalbusinessesandthepotentialimpactsofeachdesignoptionhasbeencentraltotheproject’sdesigndevelopmentsofarandwillbekeyinhelpingdeterminethefinalsolution.


3.2.2 Feedback on the alternative option (to connect RemingtonDrive and Pound RoadWestandcloseAbbottsRoad)

Local businesses, commuters and landowners told the project team they strongly opposed anyoption that involved closing Abbotts Road. A snapshot of their feedback about this option ispresentedhere.

3.3 Phase1bconsultationDuringPhase1b,LXRAsoughtfeedbackonfivepossiblesolutionstoremovethelevelcrossingatAbbottsRoad.Anumberofkeyissues,commentsandthemesthatemergedduringthisphaseareoutlinedbelow.


3.3.1 Keythemes

KeythemesfromthefeedbackgatheredinPhase1bincludedconcernsandcommentsabouttheprojectdesign,engagementmethodsandfunding.Othermattersraisedrelatedtoimpactsduringconstruction,effectsonpropertyandpropertyvalues,aswellasenvironmentalconcerns.

3.3.2 Feedbackontheremovaloptions

RailoptionsFeedbackontherailoptions–tobuildarailbridgeoverAbbottsRoadorlowertheraillineunderAbbottsRoad–waspredominantlypositive,duetotheminimalimpacttheseoptionswouldhaveonbusinesses, bothduring construction andonce the level crossing is removed. Peoplequicklyunderstood the difficulties involved in a rail under option due to the high water table andindicatedastrongpreferenceforarailoversolution.Peoplewerenotconcernedaboutthevisualamenityofarailbridge,giventheindustrialenvironmentwherethecrossingislocated.


RoadoptionsFeedbackonthetworoadoptions–tobuildaroadbridgeovertheraillineortolowertheroadunderneath the rail line – revealed similar concerns about both. These centred around loss ofbusiness frontage, parking and significant changes to property access that would affect howbusinessesoperate.Belowissomeofthefeedbackabouttheseoptions.

3.3.3 FeedbackondecisiontoruleoutoptiontoconnectRemingtonDriveandPoundRoadandcloseAbbottsRoad

On24May2016,GabrielleWilliams,MemberforDandenong,announcedthatLXRAhadruledouttheoptiontoremovethe levelcrossingatAbbottsRoadbybuildingaroadconnectionbetweenRemingtonDriveandPoundRoadWestandpermanentlyclosingAbbottsRoad.The announcement was met with met with a positive response from the Dandenong Southcommunity, including local businesses and the Business Liaison Group. The Facebook post onLXRA’spageattractedpraisefrommembersofthepublic,with35ofthe37commentssupportive


ofthemove.Importantly,atmeetingsoftheBusinessLiaisonGroup,representativesemphasisedtheirongoingsupportforasecondconnectionatRemingtonDriveinthefuture.

3.4 PhasetwoconsultationTwentypeopleattendedtwodrop-incommunityinformationsessionsonWednesday20JulyandFriday22July2016atlocalbusinessinDandenongSouth.AttendeesattheJulysessionsprovidedfeedbackon the twoshortlistedoptions for removal. Thekey themes thatemerged fromthosesessionsarebelow.

3.4.1 Keythemes

RemovalmethodTherewasstrongsupportfortherailoverroadsolutionandindicationfromalmostallattendeesthat there would be significant push back if a road over option was selected. A few peoplequeriedwhy a the roadhadbeen shortlisted, given the lack of support for this option and thedifficultiesinvolved,suchaslandacquisitionandchangestopropertyaccess.Itbeingmadeclearthattherailoptionwaspreferred. TrafficAnumberofpeoplewantedtoknowiftherewouldbeadditionalworks,includingfullduplicationofAbbotts Road, to address traffic congestion in the area.Most people accepted that thiswasoutsidethescopeofthelevelcrossingremovalproject. TimingAlmosteveryonewhoattendedthesessionwaskeen to findoutwhenthe finaldesignsolutionwouldbeannouncedandwhenworkstoremovethelevelcrossingwouldbeginandfinish. RemingtonDrive/PoundRoadWestconnectionManyattendeeswereinterestedtofindoutwhetherthisconnectionwouldstillbebuiltatsomestagenowthatitisnotbeingbuiltaspartofthelevelcrossingremovalproject.

3.5 Phase3consultationPhase three consultation sought feedback on potential options for the design of the bridgestructureanditsconstructionatanindustryforumon21October2016andacommunitydrop-ininformationsessionon25October2016,aswellasthroughthePSAconsultationprocess.These sessionswere a chance for local business operators, landowners, commuters, and otherinterestedmembers of the community to provide input thatwill inform the final design of thebridgestructureandtheway inwhichthecontractorbuilds it.Attendeeswereadvisedthat theLXRAwouldbeseekingaplanningschemeamendmenttofacilitatethedeliveryoftheproject,andgiventheopportunitytomakesubmissionsaspartofthatrequest.Theindustryforum,chairedbyGabrielleWilliamsMPandfacilitatedbyCapireConsulting,wasanopportunity for representatives from the Dandenong South business community to workshop


potential bridge structure designs and construction impacts and considerations inmore detail.Capirecompiledthefeedbackfromtheforumintoareport(Appendix2ofthisdocument).Feedback from the nine written submissions received during the PSA consultation process isincorporated below in this report and will also form part of LXRA’s formal application to theMinisterforPlanning,foranamendmenttotheGreaterDandenongPlanningScheme.

3.5.1 Keythemes

SupportfortheprojectFeedback received during phase three consultation revealed strong support from the localcommunityandbusinesses,fortheprojectoverall,aswellasfortherailbridgedesignsolution.

BridgedesignTherewas a commonlyheld viewamongst thosewhoparticipated inphase three consultation,thatanAllianceshouldconsideradesignthatcombinesbothtypesofbridgestructure–viaductandretainedearth- tocreateahybridbridgedesign. Peoplegenerallyagreedthattheviaductstructureismorevisuallyappealing,astherearemoreopenspacesbeneaththestructureanditdecreasestheopportunityforgraffiti.

OnebusinessoperatorsuggestedthatthebridgeopeningneededtoallowforviewsalongAbbottsRoadandanybridgepiersshouldbesetbacktoallowfortheseviewstobemaintained.Another


highlightedtheimportanceofbridgedesignallowingforfuturebicycleconnectionsalongAbbottsRoad.Whendiscussingtheretainedearthwalls, itwasnotedthatthishasacheaperconstructioncostthantheviaductandcouldassistinnoiseattenuation.ConstructionimpactsFeedbackincludedcommentsaboutpotentialconstructionhaulageroutes,includingpotentiallocationsforconstructionaccess,siteofficesandlaydownareas.SomebusinessescommentedthatlocalroadsaroundQuantumClosebecomeeasilycongestedandthatitwouldbepreferableforsiteofficesandconstructionaccesstobelocatedwithintheundevelopedthePoundRoadWestreserveandachieveaccessviaPoundRoadWest.OnebusinessqueriedwhatpotentialimpactofconstructionmovementswouldhaveontheoperationofAbbottsRoad.Anotherbusinesslocatedadjacenttotherailreserveandlevelcrossingcommentedontheneedtomanagedustassociatedwithconstructionworksandavoidimpactsonmanufacturingactivities.DuplicationofAbbottsRoadAnumberofpeoplehighlightedtheimportanceofbuildingabridgestructurethatwouldallowforfutureduplicationofAbbottsRoad,toaddresstrafficcongestioninthearea.

RemingtonDrive/PoundRoadWestconnectionOnesubmissionraisedthequestionofwhetherthisconnectionwouldstillbebuiltatsomestagenowthatitisnotbeingbuiltaspartofthelevelcrossingremovalproject.OverallengagementprocessandactivitiesParticipantsfromphasethreetoldusthattheyfelttherehasbeenagenuineengagementprocesssincetheprojectwasresetinMarch2016.Thereweregreaterlevelsoftrustbetweentheprojectteam and the stakeholders in comparison to the first industry forum, because of the extensiveengagementundertakenbyLXRA.Feedback fromphase three also indicated that BLG has been a useful connection between theprojectteamandthebroaderstakeholdersintheprojectarea.TheBLGwouldliketocontinueasagroupbeyondtheAbbottsRoadproject.


4 Engagementoutcomes

KeyoutcomesandmessagesThe first three stages of consultation have established a positive workingrelationshipbetweentheLXRAandthelocalstakeholderswhoareimpactedbytheproject. It is important that a future Alliance maintain this positive relationshipthroughout delivery and construction. Approximately 325 local business owners,traders and property owners contributed feedback as part of the project’sconsultation program, which included nine community information sessions heldbetweenFebruaryandOctober2016,aswellastwo industry forumson17Marchand21October2016.

4.1 Phaseoneengagementoutcomes

Community feedback, along with the results of a thorough multi-criteria analysis, helped theproject team shortlist two feasible options: to build a rail bridge overAbbotts Road; or build aroadbridgeovertherailline.This first phase of community consultation provided a stronger appreciation of the issuesconcerning local businesses, especially relating to vehicle access to properties and potentialimpactstothevalueoflandandbusinessviabilityasaresult.LXRArecognisestheimportanceofAbbottsRoadtotheDandenongSouthindustrialprecinctandappreciatethatit isakeyconnection,linkinglargeandsmallbusinessestothesurroundingroadnetwork.Local businesses, commuters and land owners told LXRA they strongly opposed the closure ofAbbottsRoad.Thiswasanimportantconsiderationinrulingthatoptionoutandalargeproportionofsubmissionsreceivedduringphasethreeconsultationexpressedsatisfactionwiththerailbridgesolution,whichwillallowAbbottsRdtoremainopen.

4.2 Phasetwoengagementoutcomes

Communityandstakeholderfeedbackfromphaseoneandtwoofconsultationwasakeyfactorindeveloping and selecting the rail bridge design solution. Dandenong South is a growingemployment and innovation hub, and in recognition of this, impact on businesses was a keyconsiderationinselectingtherailbridgesolutiontoremovethelevelcrossing.Feedback from both phases one and two of consultation indicated that land acquisition andchanges to access were key concerns, especially for businesses and owners of property along


AbbottsRoad,AuscoPlaceandSoccioPlace,wheretheimpactstoaccessofaroadoptionwouldbesignificant.CommunityfeedbackreceivedduringphasetwoconsultationwasfarmorepositiveinrelationtoLXRA’sengagementprocess andactivities. It indicated thatpeople feltwell-informedabout theproject,especiallycomparedtoattheoutsetoftheproject.ThecommunitytoldusthattheyfeltLXRAhaslistenedtowhattheyhadtosayandactedonit.

4.3 Phasethreeengagementoutcomes

Overall, therewasahigh levelofsupportamongstphasethreeparticipantsforboththeprojectand the finaldesignoption.Anumberofwrittensubmissionsexpressedexplicit support for theproposedrail-over-roadoptionforremovalofthelevelcrossing.Participation and engagement from attendees of the October industry forumwas positive andinvolvedgreaterlevelsoftrustbetweentheprojectteamandthestakeholdersincomparisontothefirstforuminMarch2016,becauseoftheextensiveengagementundertakenbyLXRA.Noneoftheinitialconcernsdiscussedatthefirstindustryforum,suchasdistrustintheprocessorlackofengagement,wereraisedinthesecondindustryforum.Thefeedbackfromphasethreeengagementhasbeenincorporatedintothebelowlistofkeyconsiderationsforanalliancetodelivertheproject.

4.3.1 KeyconsiderationsforafutureAlliance

ThefirstthreestagesofconsultationhaveestablishedapositiveworkingrelationshipbetweentheLXRA and the local stakeholderswho are impactedby theproject. It is important that a futureAlliancemaintainthispositiverelationshipthroughoutdeliveryandconstruction.Inordertodoso,itisrecommendedthattheAlliancetakeintoaccountthebelowkeyconsiderations.Designandconstruction

Whenfinalisingthedesignoftherailbridgestructureandbuildingit,anAllianceshould:

• Considerdesigningahybridviaductandreinforcedearthwallsbridgestructure.

• Maintainthetrustwiththecommunitybyprovidinganopportunitytoobtainfeedbackonthefinaldesignandconstructionapproach.

• Indecidingthelocationforhaulageandconstructionaccessroutes,bemindfulofthenumberofindustrialvehiclesandtrucksmakingdeliveriesinthearea.

• Indeterminingwheretolocatesiteofficesorlaydownareas,considerusingthegreenfieldsareabetweenPoundRoadWestandRemingtonDrive.

• Considerwaystominimisedustduringconstruction,asitcouldcauseissuesforsomebusinessesclosetotheconstructionarea.


Engagement

Whenengagingwiththecommunitythroughoutdeliveryoftheproject,theAlliancewillneedto:

• Keepthetwo-waycommunicationchannelsopenandprovidesadvancewarningofanyplanneddisruptions.

• Continuetoworkwithimpactedstakeholdersduringtheconstructiontoensurepropertyaccessandcarparkingarenotimpacted.

• Considerthemosteffectivemethodstoengagethelocalcommunity-theprojectteamfoundletterboxdropstobenotveryeffectiveinthisprimarilyindustrialarea.Themosteffectivewaytoengagewiththebusinessesintheareaisviadirectcommunication,thatisface-to-facemeetingsandemails.Promotingdrop-ininformationsessionsattrainstationswaslesseffectivethanforsomeotherprojects,asthevastmajorityofworkersintheareadrivetoandfromwork,ratherthancatchthetrain.Thebestwaytopromotesessionstolocalbusinesseswastodisplaypromotionalmaterialsatthemanycafesandroadhousesintheindustrialprecinct.Thisalsoprovidesanopportunitytospeaktothosebusinesses,whoareinformationconduitsinthearea.

• Considercarefullythetimingandlocationofengagementactivities–theprojectteamdiscoveredastrongpreferenceamongstthelocalcommunity,themajorityofwhomarebusinessownersoremployeesintheindustrialprecinct,foreventstobeheldlocally(withintheprecinct)andduringbusinesshours.

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