Dear Resident

UPDATE: REMOVAL OF LEMON-SCENTED GUMS AT FLEMINGTON ROAD INTERCHANGE

We’re writing to provide an update on the removal of five lemon-scented gums at the Flemington Road interchange as part of the CityLink Tulla Widening project.

The project has undertaken extensive analysis of four alternative design options for the interchange with the aim of keeping the trees. Unfortunately, however, following a detailed assessment VicRoads has determined that they do not meet the Australian road safety standards that the project is required to adhere to, and that they present significant safety risks to drivers, pedestrians, cyclists and tram-users.

As a result, the five lemon-scented gum trees will be removed on Saturday 25 June 2016.

We understand the great value of the lemon-scented gums to the local community and this decision has not been made without detailed consideration of the alternative options. Further information about the analysis of the options is attached to this letter.

The project has investigated the process of potential transplant or relocation of the largest of the five trees through extensive arborist consultation. Unfortunately, the arborist has advised that the tree is unlikely to survive the process, due to the damage it would sustain through relocation.

The project will make a contribution to the City of Melbourne's Urban Forest Fund to support re-greening initiatives undertaken within that program. In addition the wood from the trees will be recycled and used as park furniture in nearby reserves and a substantial contribution will be made to re-greening initiatives within the local community area.

Drop by a community information sessionMembers of the project team are door-knocking all residents living next to the work area to discuss the decision to remove the trees and discuss any questions or concerns that they may have.

In addition, representatives from VicRoads, Transurban and CPB Contractors will be on-hand at two upcoming drop-in community sessions to discuss the attached information and the analysis that was undertaken to finalise the design of the Flemington Road interchange.

You can drop by at any stage during the following times to talk to the project team:

Saturday 18 June, 10.00am – 12.00pmCurzon Room, Mercure Hotel, Cnr Flemington Rd & Harker Street, North Melbourne

Wednesday 22 June, 5.00pm – 7.00pm Curzon Room, Mercure Hotel, Cnr Flemington Rd & Harker Street, North Melbourne

Further information about the works Subcontractors working for CPB Contractors will be carrying out the works to remove the five trees on the traffic island of Flemington Road, as indicated in area marked in red on the map below.

When works will occurWorks are expected be undertaken between the hours of 7am and 3pm on Saturday 25 June.

How the trees will be removedSubcontractors for CPB Contractors will remove and recycle the trees in the following manner:

Traffic management will be set up to close a lane to safely cut down the tress A small work crew will be harnessed to the trees and using chainsaws cut down the trees The trees will be placed on to the back of trucks to be recycled and reused as park furniture The traffic island will be made safe for pedestrians and motorists while works continue in the area.

What to expect Traffic management in place to safely guide motorists and pedestrians around works Lane closures on Flemington Road with reduced speed limit A small team of construction personnel at work Noise from chainsaws when in use.

We are committed to keeping residents and businesses informed and minimising the inconvenience during these works, while keeping the community and our workers safe at all times. Managing and protecting the environment is also important to us and we are working with local and state government adhering to environmental laws to ensure the impact to the natural ecosystem is minimised.

This work may be rescheduled in the event of unsuitable weather or other unavoidable circumstances. We apologise for any inconvenience and appreciate your understanding.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding this notification, please phone 1300 783 947 and select 1 or email us at ctwbullatopower@cpbcon.com.au

131 450

Yours sincerely,

Community Relations TeamCPB ContractorsCityLink Tulla Widening: Bulla Road to Power Street15/06/2016, Ref: 0101 F02

CityLink

Lennon Street

Church Street