Council advocated strongly for community members and local traders in response to major State Government level crossing removals across our municipality during 2016–17.

These works were carried out under the State Government’s Level Crossing Removal Authority (LXRA); therefore we could only advocate for particular works to be done or assist the community during the process.

We focused on ensuring the transformation of the open space and community facilities along the corridor, where works were being carried out, would enhance amenities and deliver positive outcomes.

Specifically, we advocated for better designs, support for disrupted communities and improvements in nearby community facilities. We also established a Neighbourhood Response Team in April 2017 to help facilitate advocacy and support.

This Team consisted of staff from different areas across Council to help local traders in practical ways during the works.

Level crossing removals took place across a large section of the Glen Eira community and affected the Frankston Line at Ormond, McKinnon and Bentleigh, and the Dandenong Line at Carnegie, Murrumbeena and Hughesdale (where building of the elevated railway is currently underway). Frankston Line works were completed during November 2016 and removal work is still being completed on the Dandenong Line.

Our focus was on supporting the community and local businesses through the major disruption along both lines. Some of the specific areas of advocacy included:

• • For the Frankston Line — EE Gunn Reserve and the facilities there have been improved, including upgrades to the Football and Cricket Pavilion, Baseball Pavilion, Tennis Club and Scout Hall. In addition, designs were changed so 53 of the existing and much loved palms were replanted along the corridor of the Frankston Line.
  • For the Dandenong Line — designs were changed to include second entrances at both of the new stations for Carnegie and Murrumbeena, opening up access options for the community. Protection was also sought for significant trees at Boyd Park, Carnegie and other areas along the rail corridor. We will continue to advocate for taller trees to be returned to help revegetate the corridor and provide screening, amenity and support biodiversity. In particular, a much loved local tree, Rosie the River Red Gum (at Carnegie), has been protected during the works and is surviving, which is great news for the local community.