Council elections, Royal Park and “sky-rail”

As I sit in my study on a rainy day, clearly September wasn’t the glorious spring month we normally have so let’s hope October brings better weather! 

Regardless, it was a very busy month and with the City of Melbourne council elections coming up there are many meetings with candidates and their lobbyists.

As residents of an inner-city suburb all we want is that the CBD focus of the majority of the candidates allows some understanding there are beautiful areas of Melbourne outside the Hoddle Grid. Our neighbours of Carlton, North Melbourne and Kensington plus, of course, East Melbourne and parts of parts of South Yarra sometimes feel neglected when we attend meetings or read candidates’ plans should they be elected. 

In Parkville we have major contributors to the Melbourne economy, including the University of Melbourne, the biotech precinct, Melbourne Zoo, the State Netball and Hockey Centre, Royal Park and, of course, the first heritage-listed area in Victoria being South Parkville.

At a recent council meeting I attended I was amazed to see several councillors almost glaze over when the Royal Park Master Plan was discussed. I wonder how many had never been to Royal Park. 

There were, of course, some speaking to it and our great supporter Cr Rohan Leppert ensured there are key points that have to be amended prior to the council approving it. For those that have not read the master plan please do so. 

We will not all agree on certain parts but the extension of nature-play up Gatehouse St (for children in their teens), a cafe in Walmsley House and more barbecues will ruin the natural bushland we all love. 

Walking in a bushland environment in the heart of a great city is one of the joys we have. Think Central Park, Hyde Park or the Bois de Boulogne, which have been left as natural as possible for New York, London and Paris, respectively. Our three support groups being Friends of Royal Park, Royal Park Protection Group and the Parkville Association ask all elected councillors after the elections to come on a guided tour of Royal Park to understand what it means to those that love it. For those unaware, it is just north of the city!

Another issue we are facing is the plan for the “sky-rail” dropping down from Park St through Royal Park to Royal Park Station. 

In late September, the Level Crossing Removal Project (LCRP) posted on our Facebook page. I asked a question again about its plans after the bridge crosses Park St and how the rail line will drop from 4.3 metres in height to Royal Park Station. 

Their response was they do not have that plan completed. All our residents who live on The Avenue will have a great view of a railway line and the resultant noise.

The LCRP is hosting an information session on October 20, however, their exact statement reads “the project is in the early development stage and the technical details regarding the rail line returning to ground level after Park St are still being determined.”

How can the plans be released but end up 4.3 metres above the existing line? Perhaps seat belts for passengers. 

It is also removing Jewell Station and constructing a new station between Edward and Glenlyon roads. This is much further for residents of North Parkville to walk and catch a train. Now the consultation starts!

Enjoy October and good luck to all the candidates in the council elections. •