Hobsons Bay council has told the level crossing removal project authority (LXRP) to forget about using nearby sporting facilities while removing the Spotswood level crossing at Hudsons Road.
In its planning submission to the Spotswood level crossing removal project, endorsed at its meeting on 25 August, council expressed support for the project overall, but highlighted concerns with aspects of its design, traffic impacts and lack of public toilets, adequate lighting and CCTV.
However, the inclusion of local sporting facilities and green space within the project boundaries was rejected outright.
“Council is opposed to the use of Donald McLean Reserve and the West Gate Golf Course by the project and should not be progressed or considered as suitable sites,” the submission read.
“These locations have experienced significant and prolonged impacts associated with the West Gate Tunnel Project, including land loss, construction disruption, restricted access, reduced amenity, and operational impacts over an extended period. Further temporary or permanent use of these sites would exacerbate existing impacts and create a further burden on the local community and sporting clubs onsite.”
Donald McLean Reserve is home to both the Spotswood football and cricket clubs as well as tennis courts and a skate park, while the West Gate Golf Course is located next door.
While not home to any sports clubs, council also expressed its opposition to Fred Goldsmith Reserve on Craig Street being used for “project purposes”, arguing it would result in the loss of trees and public green space and spark community backlash.
“This risk is heightened given the recent community opposition associated with current LXRP works, where tree removals adjacent to construction sites and residential properties generated significant concern and negative press.”
The nearby Yarraville and Newport LXRPs have resulted in significant community opposition.
However, speaking in favour of the submission, Cr Michael Disbury said his experience as local ward councillor for Newport during the campaign against the LXRP there, was that the authority didn’t care and didn’t compromise.
“The original plan has been implemented without any change,” Cr Disbury said.
“They’ve just ridden roughshod over everyone.”
The motion in support of the submission was carried.
The LXRP was contacted for comment.
