The Inquiry and Advisory Committee (IAC) invite submissions on the EES and draft Planning Scheme Amendment for the Suburban Rail Loop (SRL) East Project.  

The Suburban Rail Loop Authority (SRLA) is proposing a 90-km rail line that will connect Melbourne’s metropolitan train lines from the Frankston Line in the east to the Werribee Line in the west.  

Given the scale and complexity of the Suburban Rail Loop, it is proposed to be developed in multiple stages: the first stage (the East Project), the subject of this consultation process, would entail a rapid rail service between Cheltenham and Box Hill; the remaining stages of Suburban Rail Loop would be subject to separate planning and approval processes.  

The Suburban Rail Loop East Project includes the construction and operation of: 

• twin-bore rail tunnels between Cheltenham and Box Hill, via a stabling facility in Heatherton; 
• six new stations constructed at Cheltenham, Clayton, Monash, Glen Waverley, Burwood and Box Hill with interchanges to existing railway stations at Cheltenham, Clayton, Glen Waverley and Box Hill; 
• stabling, train wash and maintenance facilities, an operational control centre and a power substation at the proposed stabling facility; 
• dive structures and rail tunnel portals at either side of the proposed stabling facility; 
• a power substation in the vicinity of the proposed Burwood Station; and 
• an intervention and ventilation facility between the proposed Glen Waverley and Burwood stations.  

On 28 October 2021, the Victorian Minister for Planning determined that an EES is required for the Project under the Environment Effects Act 1978.  

Inquiry and Advisory Committee 

The SRL East Inquiry and Advisory Committee (the IAC) will be appointed by the Minister for Planning under the Environment Effects Act 1978 and the Planning and Environment Act 1987 to advise on the Environment Effects Statement (EES), draft Planning Scheme Amendment and public submissions received on the Project in accordance with its Terms of Reference which are yet to be provided.   

The IAC will conduct a public Hearing to hear from The Project Proponent, Councils, various parties and submitters and consider and advise the Minister for Planning on the environmental effects of the Project and the draft Planning Scheme Amendment.  

Submissions 

The EES and draft Planning Scheme Amendment is open for public exhibition from 05/11/2021 to 11.59pm on 16/12/2021. Planning Panels Victoria is collecting submissions during this time. To make a submission please click here and use the submission form. 

Inquiry and Advisory Committee Process 

The IAC process comprises a Directions Hearing to be held at 10.00am on 28/01/2022 and a Public Hearing from  28/02/2022  for 10 weeks sitting Monday - Thursday.  Members of the public and any other parties seeking to be heard at the public hearing are required to submit a written submission and indicate on the submission form that they would like to be heard at the Hearing. 

For further information click here and au/39 for tunnelbuiler archive and also visit https://bigbuild.vic.gov.au . 44/21.