Amendment C129 to the Mitchell Planning Scheme...Amendment C129 to the Mitchell Planning Scheme Wallan Area Network Improvements Planning Report September 2020 Client: Dominion Property

Amendment C129 to the Mitchell Planning Scheme

Wallan Area Network Improvements

Planning ReportSeptember 2020

Client:

Dominion Property Group

Table of Contents Executive Summary ....................................................................................................................................... i

1. Introduction ...................................................................................................................................... 1

Introduction ............................................................................................................................ 1

Background ............................................................................................................................. 1

2. The Project ........................................................................................................................................ 2

Project Overview .................................................................................................................... 2

Project Benefits ...................................................................................................................... 3

Stage 1 Hume Freeway / Watson Street Interchange ........................................................... 3

2.3.1 Stage 1 Existing conditions ..................................................................................................... 3 2.3.2 Stage 1 Proposed works ......................................................................................................... 4

Stage 2 Watson Street ............................................................................................................ 5

2.4.1 Stage 2 Existing Conditions .................................................................................................... 5 2.4.2 Stage 2 Proposed Works ........................................................................................................ 6

Stage 3 Northern Highway ..................................................................................................... 8

2.5.1 Stage 3 Existing Conditions .................................................................................................... 8 2.5.2 Stage 3 Proposed Works ........................................................................................................ 8

Active Transport Component ................................................................................................. 8

Surrounding Land ................................................................................................................... 8

3. Planning Controls ............................................................................................................................ 10

Zoning Controls .................................................................................................................... 10

Overlay Controls ................................................................................................................... 13

Particular Provisions & General Provisions .......................................................................... 16

Planning Approvals Requirements for WANI ....................................................................... 16

Strategic Planning ................................................................................................................. 17

3.5.1 Clause 21.11 ‐ Wallan ........................................................................................................... 17 3.5.2 The Wallan Town Centre Master Plan and Urban Design Framework ................................ 18 3.5.3 Wallan King and Queen Street Masterplan (Draft Report) ................................................. 19

4. Amendment C129 ........................................................................................................................... 21

Why is the Amendment Required ........................................................................................ 21

Proposed Public Acquisition Overlay ................................................................................... 21

Proposed Specific Control Overlay ....................................................................................... 27

Incorporated Document ....................................................................................................... 27

Post Amendment Actions..................................................................................................... 28

5. Specialist Assessments .................................................................................................................... 29

Overview ............................................................................................................................... 29

Biodiversity Assessment ....................................................................................................... 29

Targeted Surveys .................................................................................................................. 29

Historic Heritage Assessment .............................................................................................. 30

Regional Economic Assessment ........................................................................................... 30

Land Use Impact Assessment ............................................................................................... 31

Noise Impact Assessment .................................................................................................... 32

Social Impact Assessment .................................................................................................... 34

6. Strategic Assessment Guidelines ..................................................................................................... 38

Relevant guidelines .............................................................................................................. 38

Why is the Amendment Required? ...................................................................................... 38

How does the amendment implement the objectives of planning in Victoria? ................. 38

How does the Amendment address any environmental, social and economic effects? ................................................................................................................................. 40

6.4.1 Environmental Effects .......................................................................................................... 40 6.4.2 Social Effects ......................................................................................................................... 41 6.4.3 Economic Effects .................................................................................................................. 41

Does the Amendment address relevant bushfire risk? ....................................................... 41

Does the Amendment comply with the requirements of any Minister’s Direction applicable to the Amendment? ........................................................................................... 41

How does the Amendment support or implement the Planning Policy Framework and any adopted State Policy? ......................................................................... 43

6.7.1 Plan Melbourne 2017‐2050, ................................................................................................ 45 6.7.2 Northern Growth Corridor Plan / Precinct Structure Plans ................................................. 45 6.7.3 Simple, connected journeys – Our Strategic Plan 2019‐23 ................................................. 47 6.7.4 Delivering the Goods ............................................................................................................ 47 6.7.5 Northern Highway Corridor Strategy ................................................................................... 47 6.7.6 Victorian Cycling Strategy 2018‐28 ...................................................................................... 47 6.7.7 Victoria’s 30 year Plan – Infrastructure Victoria .................................................................. 47

How does the Amendment support or implement the Local Planning Policy Framework, and specifically the Municipal Strategic Statement? ...................................... 48

Does the Amendment make proper use of the Victoria Planning Provisions? ................... 49

Does the Amendment address the views of relevant agencies? ........................................ 49

Does the Amendment address the requirements of the Transport Integration Act 2010? .............................................................................................................................. 50

What impact will the new Amendment have on the resource administrative cost of the responsible authority? ............................................................................................... 50

7. Consultation .................................................................................................................................... 51

Overview ............................................................................................................................... 51

8. Conclusion ....................................................................................................................................... 52

Conclusion ............................................................................................................................ 52

List of Figures Figure 1: WANI Components ................................................................................................................. 2

Figure 2: Stage 1 (Hume Highway) Project Area (source: www.nearmap.com.au) ............................. 3

Figure 3: Stage 1 – Hume Fwy south‐bound from Watson Street overpass ........................................ 3

Figure 4: Stage 1 – Hume Fwy north‐ bound (Source: Googlemaps) .................................................. 3

Figure 5: Proposed Watson Street Interchange ................................................................................... 4

Figure 6: Stage 2 (Watson Street) Project Area (source: www.nearmap.com.au) ............................... 5

Figure 7: Watson Street – looking west towards Wallan ...................................................................... 6

Figure 8: Intersection of Watson Street and Windham Street (looking west) ..................................... 6

Figure 9: Watson Street Duplication ..................................................................................................... 7

Figure 10: Proposed Watson Street cross‐sections ................................................................................ 7

Figure 11: Stage 3 (Northern Highway) Location (source: www.google.com.au) .................................. 8

Figure 12: Northern Highway – looking south to connection to Hume Fwy .......................................... 8

Figure 13: Northern Highway– looking south from Wallan .................................................................... 8

Figure 14: Proposed Stage 3 Cross‐Section ............................................................................................ 8

Figure 15: Northern Growth Corridor priorities ..................................................................................... 9

Figure 16: Stage 1 Zoning Map .............................................................................................................. 11



Figure 19: Stage 1 Overlay Map ............................................................................................................ 14



Figure 22: Proposed Pedestrian and Cycling Movements .................................................................... 18

Figure 23: King and Queen Street Masterplan...................................................................................... 20

Figure 24: Stage 2 Proposed PAO Locations ......................................................................................... 22

Figure 25: Section 3 Proposed PAO locations ....................................................................................... 24

Figure 26: Suggested Noise Mitigation ................................................................................................. 34

Figure 27: Walking and cycling network ............................................................................................... 35

Figure 28: Northern Growth Corridor Plan ........................................................................................... 46

Figure 29: Current PSP Areas and Status .............................................................................................. 46

List of Tables Table 1: Zoning Controls identifying zones included in each stage .................................................. 10

Table 2: Overlay Controls ................................................................................................................... 13

Table 3: General and Particular Provisions ........................................................................................ 16

Table 4: Stage 2 PAO extents ............................................................................................................. 22

Table 5: Stage 3 PAO extents ............................................................................................................. 25

Table 6: Summary of Noise Monitoring Results ................................................................................ 33

Table 7: Summary of Social Impact Mitigation Measures ................................................................. 36

List of Attachments A Stage 1 Concept Plans

B Stage 2 Concept Plans

C Stage 3 Concept Design

D Planning Scheme Amendment C129 to the Mitchell Planning Scheme

E Biodiversity Assessment

F Targeted Surveys Report

G Historic Heritage Assessment

H Regional Economic Assessment

I Land Use Impact Assessment

J Noise Impact Assessment

K Social Impact Assessment

Abbreviations AADT Annual Average Daily Traffic BIFT Beveridge Interstate Freight Terminal C2Z Commercial 2 Zone CFA Country Fire Authority dB(A) Decibel DELWP Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning DPO Development Plan Overlay EPBC Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation FO Floodway Overlay FZ Farming Zone GRZ General Residential Zone HO Heritage Overlay km kilometres LSIO Land Subject to Inundation Overlay MUZ Mixed Use Zone PAO Public Acquisition Overlay PPF Planning Policy Framework PPRZ Public Park and Recreation Zone PSP Precinct Structure Plan PUZ1 Public Use Zone – Service and Utility PUZ2 Public Use Zone – Education PUZ6 Public Use Zone – Local Government RCZ Rural Conservation Zone RDZ1 Road Zone Category 1 SIA Social Impact Assessment SMO Salinity Management Overlay UGZ Urban Growth Zone VPA Victorian Planning Authority vpd vehicles per day VPO Vegetation Protection Overlay WANI Wallan Area Network Improvement Project

Disclaimer:

This report has been prepared at the request of the Department of Transport. This report is to be used only for the purposes of informing a future planning scheme amendment undertaken as part of the Wallan Area Network Improvement Project. The use of this report by third parties without written authorisation from Dominion Property Group (DPG) shall be at their own risk, and DPG accepts no duty of care to any third party. DPG assumes no liability for any loss resulting from errors, omissions or misrepresentations made by others. Any recommendations, opinions or findings stated in this report are based on circumstances and facts as they existed at the time DPG performed the work. Any changes in such circumstances and facts upon which this report is based may adversely affect any recommendations, opinions or findings contained in this report.

Document Control:

Version Date: Reviewer Issued for:

Draft 1 29‐01‐19 DoT

Draft 2 23‐04‐19 TWF RRV

Draft 3 11‐09‐19 TWF RRV

Final 11‐12‐19 TWF DoT

V1 23‐09‐20 TWF DoT

V2 30‐09‐20 TWF DoT

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Executive Summary The Wallan township is located at the edge of a rapidly expanding urban area on the northern edge of metropolitan Melbourne. As a result of the rapid urban expansion of Melbourne, the existing road network is at capacity resulting in congestion and safety concerns for road users. The Wallan Area Network Improvement (WANI) Project (the Project) has been designed and developed by the Department of Transport (DoT) to improve safety, capacity, access and amenity in the area.

WANI comprises three distinct stages that will provide improved north‐south and east‐west connectivity to and from Wallan through:

Stage 1: Constructing south‐facing ramps onto the Hume Freeway and duplicating the Watson Street bridge over the freeway;

Stage 2: Duplication of Watson Street, between the Hume Freeway and the Northern Highway; and

Stage 3: Duplication of the Northern Highway between the Hume Freeway and Watson Street.

In addition to the capacity created by the upgraded access, the Project will involve multi‐modal connections and will support the infrastructure required as part of the Precinct Structure Plan process which is currently in development in the rapidly expanding northern growth corridor.

In order to assess any potential impacts from the Project, a number of specialist studies have been undertaken. These specialist studies conclude the Project will:

improve safety for road users whilst minimising congestion;

make a positive impact on the community through improved accessibility for road users, cyclists and pedestrians;

make a positive contribution to the existing (and future) Wallan area through improved connectivity;

accommodate increased traffic demand as the urban area expands and Beveridge Intermodal Freight Terminal is developed;

result in maximum benefit with minimal land acquisition; and

Utilise appropriate mitigation measures to reduce any potential adverse impacts of the project.

In order to facilitate the Project, a Planning Scheme Amendment is required to the Mitchell Planning Scheme to apply a Public Acquisition Overlay over land required for the Project and to insert an Incorporated Document and Specific Control Overlay into the Mitchell Planning Scheme to facilitate the secondary approvals for the Project.

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Amendment C129 to the Mitchell Planning Scheme ‐Planning Report

1. Introduction Introduction

Dominion Property Group (DPG) has been engaged by DoT to prepare a Planning Report in support of Amendment C129 to the Mitchell Planning Scheme.

This report outlines the Project components, related planning controls and planning framework to facilitate the project. Planning Scheme Amendment C129 (to the Mitchell Planning Scheme) has been prepared to facilitate the acquisition of additional land required by DoT for the Project and to establish a framework associated with secondary planning and environmental approvals.

Background Located approximately 45 kilometres north of Melbourne, Wallan is amongst the fastest growing areas in the State and was incorporated into Melbourne’s Urban Growth Boundary in 2012. It is estimated that the Northern Growth Corridor (incorporating Wallan) will accommodate an additional 80,000 homes by 2055 which equates to approximately 250,000 people. The Wallan population is predicted to increase from approximately 12,500 in 2017 to 29,000 by 2031.

The project area intersects with a number of urban Precinct Structure Plan (PSP) areas currently being developed by the Victorian Planning Authority (VPA). The Northern Highway intersects with the Wallan South Precinct Structure Plan (PSP) and Watson Street provides access to the Wallan East PSP. Land to the east of the railway line includes the future Beveridge Intermodal Freight Terminal (within the Northern Freight PSP) which currently has limited vehicle access. Access to these future PSP areas would be restricted without the development of WANI.

Based on existing traffic modelling, the existing roads are already at capacity and would be in gridlock if no action were to be taken prior to the completion of the PSP’s. However, the number of trips in private vehicles could be reduced if improved public transport connections were available in the vicinity.

The lack of road connectivity options to the Hume Freeway south of Wallan currently require traffic to use the Northern Highway to access the Hume Freeway. The competing interests of local Wallan traffic and through traffic, particularly large freight vehicles, can result in long queuing along the Northern Highway south of Wallan. During the evening peak, the queue of north‐bound traffic on the Northern Highway has been observed to extend south to the slow lane of the Hume Freeway.

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2. The Project Project Overview

The WANI Project comprises three stages as outlined in Figure 1.

Stage 1: Construction of south‐facing ramps from Watson Street (Wallan‐Whittlesea Road) to the Hume Freeway and duplication of the existing overpass;

Stage 2: Duplication of Watson Street between the Hume Freeway and the Northern Highway; and

Stage 3: Duplication of the Northern Highway between the Hume Freeway and Watson Street.

Figure 1: WANI Components

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Project Benefits The project will result in the following benefits:

i. Transport Network Efficiency – Minimisation of travel delays and reduction in travel times along the Northern Highway will result in improved amenity and livability for local businesses, shoppers and road users;

ii. Improved Safety – The elimination / significant reduction in possible conflict between road users translates to a reduction in the potential for crashes, hence, a safer environment; and

iii. Active and Inclusive Communities – A more resilient and cohesive community with a safer, more connected and attractive township.

Stage 1 Hume Freeway / Watson Street Interchange

2.3.1 Stage 1 Existing conditions

The section of the Hume Freeway within the project area comprises two lanes in either direction separated by a landscaped median ranging in width from 15m‐20m. The Stage 1 area comprises the roadside verges including landscaped areas and the existing north facing ramps. An aerial showing the Stage 1 area is shown in Figure 2 and photos illustrating the new ramps connection points is shown in Figures 3 and 4.

Figure 2: Stage 1 (Hume Highway) Project Area (source: www.nearmap.com.au)

Figure 3: Stage 1 – Hume Fwy south‐bound from

Watson Street overpass

Figure 4: Stage 1 – Hume Fwy north‐ bound

(Source: Googlemaps)

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2.3.2 Stage 1 Proposed works

Stage 1 comprises the construction of south‐facing ramps onto the Hume Freeway from Watson Street and duplication of the existing bridge over the Hume Freeway as shown in Figure 5 and Attachment A.

The proposed works will involve:

The construction of new southerly orientated ramps from Watson Street onto the Hume Freeway;

Upgrades to the existing ramp terminals;

The duplication of the existing bridge over the Hume Freeway; and

The construction of roundabouts at the intersection of the ramps and Watson Street.

Figure 5: Proposed Watson Street Interchange

The proposed works are wholly within land already owned by DoT and included within a Road Zone Category 1.

Stage 1 Ramps

Duplication of existing bridge

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Stage 2 Watson Street

2.4.1 Stage 2 Existing Conditions

The project area extending along Watson Street encompasses the whole road reservation and will require additional private land associated with the road duplication, turning lanes and bus shelters. The additional land for Stage 2 of the project will require a Public Acquisition Overlay as part of the Planning Scheme Amendment. Details of the additional land required are outlined in Section 4.2 of this report.

Watson Street is local road with a single lane in either direction and provides an east‐west connection between the Wallan Train Station (in Wallan East) and the main town centre. Watson Street currently abuts residential, education and recreational land uses within the project area, including:

The Wallan Secondary College on the southern side of Watson Street (adjacent to the Northern Highway);

Hadfield Park (which includes the local police station and CFA) and Wallan Community Park on the northern side of Watson Street (between the Northern Highway a future urban area);

The Wallan TS Drain, which extends adjacent to the northern side of Watson Street through the Wallan Community Park;

A future urban area, which abuts Watson Street and the existing north‐bound on‐ramp to the Hume Freeway; and

An established residential subdivision on the southern side between the Hume Freeway and Windham Street.

The Watson Street project area including is shown in Figure 6 and existing conditions shown in Figures 7 and 8.

Figure 6: Stage 2 (Watson Street) Project Area (source: www.nearmap.com.au)

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Figure 7: Watson Street – looking west towards Wallan

Figure 8: Intersection of Watson Street and Windham Street (looking west)

2.4.2 Stage 2 Proposed Works

Stage 2 comprises the duplication of Watson Street between the Stage 1 works (intersection with the Hume Freeway) and the Northern Highway as shown in Figure 9 and Attachment B.

Stage 2 of the Project involves:

The duplication of Watson Street, with a new east bound carriageway constructed to the north of the existing carriageway (which reverts to west bound only);

A new 3.7m two‐way shared path will be constructed on the southern side of Watson Street;

A 2.0m wide footpath will be constructed on the northern side of the carriageways and connecting into the existing paths in Hadfield Park;

The construction of a new median strip to provide separation between traffic movements; and

The retention of the existing bus stops and provision for new bus stops at Hadfield Park and the Wallan Secondary College.

Cross sections illustrating the proposed layout of Watson Street is shown in Figure 10.

Some land acquisition will be required to accommodate the cross sections proposed for Stage 2. The design has preferentially avoided acquisition of private properties and alternatively necessitated acquisition of public land.

Stage 2 proposes to acquire:

a strip of land along the boundary of the Wallan Community Park, which will not be constructed with roadworks but rather needed to accommodate ancillary services to the road, such as drainage.

a strip of land along the Wallan Secondary School site including two buildings used for community activities.

The extent of land required for acquisition and proposed mitigation is explained further at Section 4.2.

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Figure 9: Watson Street Duplication

Figure 10: Proposed Watson Street cross‐sections

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Stage 3 Northern Highway

2.5.1 Stage 3 Existing Conditions

The Northern Highway forms the north‐south spine of Wallan, with the main town centre and shops situated on either side of the street, between Watson Street and King Street (known as High Street). The project area extends from the intersection with Watson Street, south to the intersection (ramps) with the Hume Freeway as shown in Figure 11 and Figures 12 and 13 illustrate the project area in Section 3.

Figure 11: Stage 3 (Northern Highway) Location (source: www.google.com.au)

Figure 12: Northern Highway – looking south to connection to Hume Fwy

Figure 13: Northern Highway– looking south from Wallan

Stage 3 extends through and existing urban area at the northern extent, including residential on the western side and educational / recreational on the eastern side between Watson Street and Taylors Lane.

South of Taylors Lane, land on either side of the existing highway is farming land and subject to future urban development as part of a Precinct Structure Plan. The concept has been designed in consultation with the Victorian Planning Authority to provide for future connectivity to the proposed urban area within the PSPs.

2.5.2 Stage 3 Proposed Works

Stage 3 comprises the duplication of the Northern Highway between the Hume Freeway and Watson Street and provision of active transport connections as shown in Attachment C.

Stage 3 will result in the existing road being duplicated with two lanes in both directions and a dedicated bike path and footpath will be constructed on the western side of the alignment to provide

A

A

B B

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improved connectivity for existing, and future residents. A bike path and footpath will also be constructed on the eastern side of the highway alignment between Macsfield Road and Watson Street.

A cross section illustrating the proposed layout of Stage 3 is outlined in Figure 14 below.

Figure 14: Proposed Stage 3 Cross‐Section

The duplication will require the acquisition of land along the Northern Highway and along Duke Street, and Taylors Lane. The extent of the proposed acquisition for Stage 3 is outlined in Section 4.2 (Public Acquisition Overlay) of this report.

Active Transport Component The Project has been designed with an active transport component to improve existing services for local users. Cyclists are currently forced to use the shoulder of both Watson Street and the Northern Highway. The Project will result in cyclists having their own dedicated paths which are separated from the existing vehicle traffic to improve the amenity and safety for cyclists.

In addition, the Project will include separate footpaths to improve accessibility for pedestrians along both Watson Street and the Northern Highway. At present, pedestrian facilities are limited to small sections of the project area, or reduced to walking on the grass verges. As a result of the project, pedestrians will have paths and opportunities to connect to existing (and future) paths connecting the wider Wallan area.

The Project includes dedicated bus lanes on the Northern Highway and improved connectivity along Watson Street, connecting the town centre with the railway station.

Surrounding Land The broader are is undergoing precinct structure planning which are in varying stages of development. The Project is located within the Northern Growth Corridor which is anticipated to increase by approximately 295,000 residents, with 175,000 to be located within the Mitchell Shire. Infrastructure priorities identified by the Mitchell Shire to address the growth within the municipality are outlined in Figure 15 (including the WANI project).

Wallan’s proximity to the junction of two major freight routes (Northern Highway and Hume Freeway) makes it more susceptible to high levels of heavy vehicle volume. Further, land to the south‐east of the railway line is designated as the future Beveridge Intermodal Freight Terminal, which will benefit

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from the proximity to the existing and proposed infrastructure, including new ramps onto the Hume Freeway.

Figure 15: Northern Growth Corridor priorities

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3. Planning Controls Zoning Controls

The project is located within the Mitchell Shire and is subject to the Mitchell Planning Scheme.

The majority of the project area is located within a Road Zone Category 1 (RDZ1), however, additional land will be required for the Project. Table 1 details the zoning controls that apply to each stage of the project and Figures 16 to 18 illustrate the location of each zone in relation to each stage.

Table 1: Zoning Controls identifying zones included in each stage

Clause Stage 1

Project Area Stage 2

Project Area Stage 3

Project Area

Cl 32.04 Mixed Use Zone (MUZ) Applies NA NA

Cl 32.08 General Residential Zone (GRZ) Applies Applies Applies

Cl 34.01 Commercial 1 Zone (C1Z) NA Applies NA

Cl 34.02 Commercial 2 Zone (C2Z) NA Applies Applies

Cl 35.06 Rural Conservation Zone (RCZ) NA NA Applies

Cl 35.07 Farming Zone (FZ) NA NA Applies

Cl 36.01 Public Use Zone 1 Service & Utility (PUZ1) NA Applies NA

Cl 36.01 Public Use Zone 2 Education (PUZ2) NA Applies Applies

Cl.36.01 Public Use Zone 6 – Local Government (PUZ6) NA Applies NA

Cl 36.02 Public Park and Recreation Zone (PPRZ) NA Applies Applies

Cl.36.04 Road Zone Category 1 (RDZ1) Applies Applies Applies

The use of land for a road in all of the above Zones is exempt from a planning permit requirement due to Clause 62.01. In addition, “Buildings and works” are exempt from requiring a planning permit due to Clause 62.02 which allows for “roadworks without a permit”.

Having regard to the zoning provisions of the Mitchell Planning Scheme, no planning permit is required for the use of the land for a road or for the associated roadworks.

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Figure 16: Stage 1 Zoning Map


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Overlay Controls Table 2 below outlines the Overlay Controls as they apply to the project area of each stage and identify if a planning permit is triggered.

Table 2: Overlay Controls

Clause Stage 1 Project Area

Stage 2 Project Area

Stage 3 Project Area

Cl 42.02 Vegetation Protection Overlay – Schedule 2 (VPO2)

Freeway Environs Protection

Permit Trigger

NA Permit Trigger

Cl 43.01 Heritage Overlay No.210 (HO210)

World War 1 Memorial and Avenue of Honour inc 48 Purple leaved Dutch Elms (Ulmus x hollandica ‘Purpurascens) Both sides of Northern Highway between Queens and Watson Streets

NA Permit Trigger

Permit Trigger

Cl 43.04 Development Plan Overlay 4 (DPO4)

Wallan Applies NA NA


King and Queen Streets (Wallan) Development Plan Applies Applies NA


Watson Street South, Wallan NA Applies NA

Cl 44.02 Salinity Management Overlay (SMO) Permit Trigger

NA NA

Cl 44.03 Floodway Overlay (FO) Permit Trigger

Permit Trigger

Permit Trigger

Cl 44.04 Land Subject to Inundation Overlay (LSIO) Permit Trigger

NA Permit Trigger

Cl 45.04 Road Closure Overlay (RX) NA Applies NA

Figures 19 to 21 illustrate the location of the Overlay controls as they apply to each stage of the project

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Figure 19: Stage 1 Overlay Map


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Particular Provisions & General Provisions Table 3 below details Particular Provisions and General Provisions of the Mitchell Planning Scheme that apply to the Project.

Table 3: General and Particular Provisions

Clause Comments

Clause 52.17 Native Vegetation

Requires a planning permit for the removal, destruction or lopping of native vegetation.

Clause 52.29 Land adjacent to a Road Zone, Category 1, or a Public Acquisition Overlay for a Category 1 road

Requires a permit to create or alter access to a Road Zone Category 1.

Clause 62.01 Uses not requiring a Permit

A general exemption from a permit for the use of land for a road except within the UFZ, and PCRZ.

Clause 62.02 Buildings and Works

A permit is not required for buildings and works for a road unless specifically required by the planning scheme or the land is within a PCRZ.

Planning Approvals Requirements for WANI Under the provisions of the Mitchell Planning Scheme, a planning permit is required under:

Clause 42.02 (VPO2) for native vegetation removal;

Clause 43.01 (HO210) for buildings and works;

Clause 43.04 (FO) for roadworks that redirect or obstruct the water flow path;

Clause 44.02 (SMO) for removal of vegetation (noting that at Clause 62.02‐2, the Victorian Planning Provisions exempts 'roadworks' from buildings and works unless specifically specified, which they are not exempt in the SMO);

Clause 44.04 (LSIO) for roadworks that redirect or obstruct the water flow path;

Clause 52.17 for native vegetation removal; and

Clause 52.29 for creation or alteration of access to a Road Zone Category 1.

In order to facilitate the Project, DoT could obtain planning approval via the following options:

A planning permit associated with the above referenced clauses and prepare a separate planning scheme amendment to apply a Public Acquisition Overlay to land required for the project;

A combined Planning Scheme Amendment and Permit Application under Section 96a of the Planning and Environment Act; or

A Planning Scheme Amendment to apply a Public Acquisition Overlay and introduce project specific controls under an Incorporated Document.

To simplify the planning process, it is proposed that DoT undertake a Planning Scheme Amendment to apply a PAO and an SCO over the project area. The SCO will reference the Incorporated Document to provide project specific controls.

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Strategic Planning The Mitchell Shire Council has prepared the following strategic documents to guide the growth and development of the Wallan township:

Clause 21.11 forming part of the Municipal Strategic Statement of the Mitchell Planning Scheme (applying to Wallan)

The Wallan Town Centre Master Plan and Urban Design Framework (2016);

King and Queen Street Masterplan (draft).

Both of the above masterplans extent within the footprint of the project area

3.5.1 Clause 21.11 ‐ Wallan

Clause 21.11‐9 'Wallan' of the Mitchell Planning Scheme, sets out the overarching policy directions for the town. By duplicating the Northern Highway and Watson Street, flanked by pedestrian and cycling paths to either side in a well‐landscaped cross section, the Project will deliver on the following directions at Clause 21.11‐9:

provide a strong sense of arrival into Wallan along both the Watson Street and Northern Highway

ensure the duplication of Northern Highway, as well as Watson Street, enhances the entry into Wallan and maintains the Avenue of Honour

conserve and celebrate existing heritage places in Wallan

ensure social and community infrastructure is easily accessed from walking and cycling paths as well as public and private transport

deliver infrastructure to improve access to and within the Town Centre for pedestrians and cyclists

Ensure good accessibility to and within the BIFT for freight vehicles and by public transport, cycling and walking

Ensure flooding is adequately mitigated and stormwater is treated

Promote pedestrian and cyclist priority across Wallan

Improve the existing footpath network across Wallan with a focus on key streets that provide access into the town centre.

Encourage shading along shared trails, pedestrian links and streetscapes through tree planting or other means

Improve linkages between residential area and the station.

Create a street network that provides for safe and efficient access between residential neighbourhoods, the town centre and other key destinations in Wallan.

Focus major traffic movements onto arterial roads and reduce through traffic on local streets.

Ensure the Northern Highway responds to its town centre context and provides for a high level of pedestrian and cyclists priority.

Encourage active and sustainable transport modes i.e. walking, cycling across Wallan to reduce the use of private vehicles on existing and future streets.

Retain and enhance Wellington Street and Watson Street as key secondary streets within the town centre.

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Support public realm improvements across the town centre in order to attract public and private investment.

Enhance the Northern Highway as an iconic ‘country town’ main street that provides clear priority for people whilst maintaining an important traffic function.

Ensure future duplication, if required, enhances the function of businesses, open space and schools.

Improve east‐west pedestrian connections across the Northern Highway and north‐south pedestrian connections across intersecting side streets.

Retain and protect the Avenue of Honour in future duplication plans.

Promote pedestrian and cyclist priority across the town centre.

3.5.2 The Wallan Town Centre Master Plan and Urban Design Framework

In 2016, the Mitchell Shire Council adopted the Wallan Town Centre Master Plan and Urban Design Framework (Wallan Town Centre Plan). The Wallan Town Centre Plan seeks to establish a long term vision for the town centre and identify priority projects for the short and medium terms.

The Wallan Town Centre Plan applies to land High Street between Duke Street in the south and William Street to the North. The plan overlaps with the following stages of the WANI Project:

Stage 2 (Watson Street) between Wellington Street and Windham Street; and

Stage 3 (Northern Highway) between Watson Street and Duke Street.

An extract of the Wallan Town Centre Master Plan illustrating the proposed pedestrian and cycling movements within the WANI project area is shown below in Figure 22.

Figure 22: Proposed Pedestrian and Cycling Movements

Source: Wallan Town Centre Master Plan and Urban Design Framework

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The Wallan Town Centre Plan acknowledges the planning for capacity upgrades planned by VicRoads (now DoT) and identifies improved pedestrian movements along both Watson Street and the Northern Highway as well as potential bus interchanges adjacent to the Wallan Secondary College. The Master Plan also identifies the potential for an upgrade to the shared path along Watson Street and improved pedestrian movements.

The WANI Project is consistent with the following aspirations and objectives of the Wallan Town Centre Master Plan and Urban Design Framework:

Shared paths along Watson Street and the Northern Highway;

Improved capacity along Watson Street through improved roadworks;

Provision for bus stop / interchange on Watson Street and the Northern Highway

3.5.3 Wallan King and Queen Street Masterplan (Draft Report)

In July 2020, the Mitchell Shire Council released the Wallan King and Queen Street Masterplan (Masterplan) to help guide development, inclusive of:

“The potential to open a new open space park for the community;

New roads to link Watson Street and William Street to improve connectivity;

A Shared footpath to connect the Community Park with Mittagong Creek and expand accessibility in Wallan; and

More residential options for a growing community.”

The Masterplan study area comprises 80 hectares of land bound by Windham Street to the west, William Street to the north, Mittagong Creek to the east and the Wallan Creek / Watson Street and existing development to the south.

The Masterplan overlaps with Stage 2 of the WANI Project. In an effort to improve north‐south connectivity, the Masterplan is proposing a new local road and signalised intersection connecting to Watson Street. In addition, land immediately north of Watson Street (west of the Wallan Community Park) is proposed to be set aside for a waterway and drainage reserve.

Consistent with the Masterplan, the Stage 2 design can accommodate a signalised, four‐way intersection at Watson Street and McCarthy Court.

The WANI Project also entails acquisition of some 100 sqm of land affected by DPO14 (156 Queen Street). The Masterplan identifies this land as 'waterway & drainage reserve', consistent with the current use of land.

The Project is considered to be consistent with the intent of the Masterplan.

The proposed Masterplan is shown in Figure 23.

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Figure 23: King and Queen Street Masterplan

Source: Wallan King & Queen Street Masterplan July 2020 (exhibited version)

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4. Amendment C129 Why is the Amendment Required

The Amendment is required to facilitate the acquisition of land by Roads Corporation and outline specific controls (secondary approvals) required prior to the construction of the Project. The Planning Scheme Amendment process provides a comprehensive planning approvals approach to the Project to ensure the land is appropriately reserved for the future duplications of Watson Street and the Northern Highway and for the upgrades over and connecting to the Hume Freeway.

The Amendment is required to:

Introduce the Specific Controls Overlay into the Mitchell Planning Scheme to allow the use and development of land within the project area to occur under specific controls;

Update the relevant clauses to include reference to the Incorporated Document title within the Mitchell Planning Scheme; and

Apply a Public Acquisition Overlay and Specific Control Overlay to the land required for the project.

The Amendment will accurately identify the Project in the planning scheme through the Specific Control Overlay and allow construction of the project to occur in a timely manner.

Proposed Public Acquisition Overlay The Mitchell Planning Scheme currently includes PAO5 (for road construction and widening), and allows for the acquisition of land by Roads Corporation. As part of the Amendment it is proposed that PAO5 also be applied to the land required along Watson Street and the Northern Highway.

The project area extends generally along the existing road reserves, however, some additional land will be required to facilitate the Project. The additional land, which will be subject to a Public Acquisition Overlay is outlined below, relevant to each stage of the project.

Stage 1: New south‐facing ramps and Watson Street bridge duplication

Stage 1 works of the project are wholly within the existing Road Zone Category 1 in the Mitchell Planning Scheme and therefore do not require any additional land (nor a Public Acquisition Overlay).

Stage 2: Duplication of Watson Street

Stage 2 works of the project will require some additional land outside of the existing Watson Street road reservation, which will require the application of a PAO. The extent of land acquisition is outlined in Figure 24 and in Table 4.

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Figure 24: Stage 2 Proposed PAO Locations

Table 4: Stage 2 PAO extents

Section 2 PAO Areas* Location

156 Queen Street GRZ1 (Private Land) Proposed PAO: 109m2

Watson Street PUZ6 / PPRZ (Wallan Community Park) Proposed PAO: 3,650m2

36 High Street / 100 Duke Street & Watson Street PUZ2 (Public Land‐ Wallan Secondary College) Proposed PAO: 3,350m2

23



42‐60 High Street Hadfield Park PPRZ (Public Land) Proposed PAO: 170m2

29‐33 High Street C2Z (Private land) Proposed PAO: 470m2

* All areas are estimates and to be confirmed by survey

24


Stage 3: Duplication of the Northern Highway

Stage 3 works of the Project will require additional land outside of the existing Northern Highway road reservation. The extent of land acquisition is outlined in Figure 25 and in Table 5.

Figure 25: Section 3 Proposed PAO locations

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Table 5: Stage 3 PAO extents


100 Duke Street PUZ2 (Wallan Secondary College) Proposed PAO: 12.5m2

330 Northern Hwy (NW Corner) PPRZ Greenhill Reserve (Public Land) Proposed PAO: 140m2

330 Northern Hwy SW Corner PRPZ Greenhill Reserve (Public Land) Proposed PAO: 324m2

1‐5 High Street C2Z (Wallan Ambulance Station) Proposed PAO: 38m2

295 Northern Highway FZ (Private Land) Proposed PAO: 188m2

26



300 Northern Hwy FZ (Private Land) Proposed PAO: 522m2

20 Northern Hwy FZ (Private Land) Proposed PAO: 7,580m2

27



500 Old Hume Hwy RCZ (Private Land) Proposed PAO: 7,857m2

* All areas are estimates and to be confirmed by survey

The Amendment seeks to apply the PAO to the above identified properties. Application of the PAO enables the listed acquiring authority, in this case DoT, to acquire the land via the Land Acquisition and Compensation Act 1986. The acquisition process is expected to be staged and to commence in 2025, coinciding with confirmation of the construction funding and program.

In relation to the Public Acquisition Overlay, the Amendment proposes to:

Amend Map No. 22PAO to update the existing PAO boundaries to reflect the requirements of land for WANI; and

Insert new Map Nos. 25PAO and 26PAO to illustrate the PAO required for WANI for the Northern Highway.

Proposed Specific Control Overlay The application of an Incorporated Document for the Project also requires a Specific Control Overlay (SCO) to be applied to the project area. The purpose of the SCO is to identify on a planning scheme map where the specific controls apply.

The Amendment proposes to apply SCO Schedule 3 to the land required for the project and to insert new Planning Scheme Map Nos. 22SCO, 25SCO and 26SCO into the Mitchell Planning Scheme. In addition, it will be necessary for the Schedule to Clause 72.03 to be updated to include the new map references as contained in C129.

Incorporated Document The Wallan Area Network Improvements Project Incorporated Document, September 2020 has been prepared for the Project to provide specific approvals requirements. As part of the Incorporated Document, the following conditions will need to be satisfied prior to works commencing:

Preparation of an Environmental Management Framework to the satisfaction of the Minister

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for Planning;

A Native Vegetation Management Plan and native vegetation removal is be undertaken in accordance with the Guidelines for the removal, destruction or lopping of native vegetation (DELWP 2017); and

Requiring that any works undertaken in the Floodway Overlay or Land Subject to Inundation shall be undertaken to the satisfaction of the relevant floodplain management authority (currently Melbourne Water).

Prior to the commencement of works on the land affected by Heritage Overlay Schedule 210 (HO210) ‐ World War 1 Memorial and Avenue of Honour, a report that addresses the impact of works and development on the heritage significance of the place and plans showing the extent of the works and development, must be prepared in consultation with the relevant Council and to the satisfaction of the Minister for Planning (except as otherwise agreed by the Minister for Planning).

A site capability report must be prepared in consultation with and then submitted to and approved by the Secretary to the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning associated with any works, including vegetation removal, within the Salinity Management Overlay area.

A copy of the Amendment, including proposed PAO, SCO and Incorporated Document is contained in Attachment D.

Post Amendment Actions The Amendment will not automa cally facilitate the construc on of the project as further studies will be required to inform a detailed design for the final alignment. These studies will also inform secondary approvals as per the condi ons of the Incorporated Document.

Following the gaze al of the Amendment, DoT will (subject to funding), tender for a contractor to undertake the final design and construc on of the duplica on associated with each stage of the project. The condi ons within the Incorporated Document (and any other applicable legisla on) must be complied with prior to commencement of the Project.

DoT will commence the land acquisi on process once the Public Acquisi on Overlay is in place and the construc on funding and program is finalised. As part of that process, DoT will work with the Council, the user groups and the community regarding the reloca on of ac vi es that currently occur in the community buildings to be acquired at the corner of Waston Street and Northern Highway. DoT has consulted with the user groups that u lise these buildings and has outlined the indica ve meframes for the Project. DoT supports the con nued use of the buildings in the short term and proposes to provide stakeholder support for their long term reloca on.

Once the works have been completed and any associated road declara ons undertaken, a subsequent planning scheme amendment will be required to ensure the DoT declared roads are included within a Road Zone Category 1 in the Planning Scheme.

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5. Specialist Assessments Overview

In order to accurately assess any impacts associated with the Project, DoT has commissioned the following specialists assessments to inform the concept design:

Biodiversity Assessment;

Targeted Surveys for Golden Sun Moth and Growling Grass Frog;

Historic Heritage Assessment;

Regional Economic Assessment;

Land Use Impact Assessment;

Noise Impact Assessment; and

Social Impact Assessment.

In addition to the above, DoT has an approved Cultural Heritage Management Plan for the Project.

Biodiversity Assessment Ecology and Heritage Partners (EHP) was engaged by DoT to conduct a biodiversity investigation and habitat hectare assessment for the project. Refer to Attachment E for a copy of the Biodiversity Assessment dated February 2020.

The Assessment identified:

The majority of the study area is dominated by exotic pasture grass and planted trees which are not native to Victoria;

114 flora species (comprising 30 indigenous and 84 non‐indigenous / introduced) within the study area, consisting of mainly planted street trees;

14 fauna species (comprising 9 native and 3 introduced bird species and 2 native frog species) were located within the study area; and

Part of the study are of Stage 2 (Watson Street) is within the Swampy Riparian Woodland EVC.

The Biodiversity Assessment has determined that if all of the native vegetation within the project area (comprising 0.120 hectares) was removed, the offset would be 0.33 General Habitat Units and the offsets can be satisfied with the existing credits available.

Targeted Surveys The study area has the potential for Golden Sun Moth and Growling Grass Frog habitat. In order to confirm their presence within the study area, Ecology and Heritage Partners undertook targeted surveys in December 2018 and in spring 2019. A copy of the Targeted Surveys Report, dated December 2019 is contained in Attachment F.

In relation to the Golden Sun Moth, the Report stated:

“Despite targeted surveys on four separate occasions in areas of potential habitat…Golden Sun Moth was not detected within the study area. The species was detected at several known sites within Greater Melbourne on the same days as the surveys were conducted, indicating that conditions were suitable for surveying and identifying the species. As such, Golden Sun Moth is considered highly unlikely to occur within the study area.

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In relation to the Growling Grass Frog, Ecology and Heritage Partners have confirmed that:

“no Growling Grass Frogs were detected during the targeted surveys in 2018 and 2019 despite weather conditions being suitable”.

DoT will work with DELWP and Melbourne Water to ensure that the road design and any Wallan Creek designs (for the realignment or diversion) accord with VicRoads Fauna Sensitive Road Design Guidelines and DELWP's Growling Grass Frog Crossing Design Standards, as appropriate, to accommodate potential species movement and recolonisation in Wallan Creek.

Historic Heritage Assessment ACHM was engaged to undertake an assessment of historic heritage values within the study area. Refer to Attachment G for a copy of the assessment dated 26 February 2020.

The Assessment identified:

Trees protected by the Heritage Overlay Schedule 210 (HO210) – World War 1 Memorial and Avenue of Honour have been excluded from the proposed works area and therefore it will not be impacted, nor trees removed;

There is one listed site on the Victorian Heritage Inventory Inverlochy Castle Hotel (H7823‐0045) that lies immediately adjacent to the project area;

There are four sites of sites of significance located in or adjacent to the project area, including:

The Wallan Avenue of Honour (project area partly extends in HO210 extent);

The Wallan Mechanic’s Institute located more than 100 metres from the project area;

The Wallan War Memorial Obelisk located more than 100 metres from the project area; and

The old Inverlochy Castle Hotel on the western side of the Northern highway, opposite Macsfield Road (which is now in ruins) adjacent to the project area.

An area of archaeological sensitivity was identified between the former Inverlochy Castle Hotel and the Northern Highway which should be monitored by a qualified archaeologist during ground disturbing works

The report recommends:

“Wallan Avenue of Honour (HO210) ‐ avoidance of any form of impact or harm;

Inverlochy Castle Hotel (H7823‐0045) ‐ avoidance of any form of impact or harm to the site, and notification to contractors of the area of potential archaeological sensitivity between the Inverlochy Castle Hotel and the Northern Highway'.

Regional Economic Assessment Jacobs was engaged to undertake a Regional Economic Assessment of the project. Refer to Attachment H for a copy of the Regional Economic Assessment, dated 20 February 2020.

The Assessment concluded as follows:

At the macro level, Wallan is one of the fastest growing areas in Victoria in terms of many economic indicators, including population and GRP, and is projected to continue this trajectory over the next 20 years due to its location in relation to Melbourne.

Mitchell and Wallan in particular are characterised by strong population growth, high levels of employment and above average household incomes. The rapidly growing population in the area will continue to create further demand for the local transport network. Further

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investment into transport infrastructure may be needed to reduce transportation costs and improve amenity in surrounding areas. Large freight and residential traffic increases are both expected; while the timeline is nebulous for local freight increases, it is guaranteed to remain a key freight corridor for Melbourne.

In conjunction with PSP developments, the WANI would provide infrastructure support for the establishment of the area as well as potentially provide job opportunities in what would be a substantial construction exercise.

Public administration & safety, rental, hiring & real estate services, and construction are the largest contributors to Mitchell’s GRP. In terms of employment, construction, retail trade, and health care & social assistance were dominant employers in Wallan. Tourism does not currently play a significant role in the region.

These sectors are all dependent on a developed transport system that can efficiently transport goods and people and that also improves amenity in key precincts. These jobs are partly supported by demand created by through traffic in the townships.

At the local level, the Southern Gateway precinct of Wallan is most directly impacted by the duplication of the Northern Highway and Watson Street, and development should proceed with infrastructure support to this area in mind. The proposed quarry at the Hume Freeway/ Northern Freeway diverge will also generate additional freight traffic in this section of the network.

Improvements to the Hume Freeway interchange will impact on the East Wallan PSP; freight traffic will be a priority in this area due to the future BIFT in the Northern Freight PSP, but new housing developments will cause a large increase in residential traffic. Improvements to footpaths along Watson Street will improve access to Wallan railway station in the east via active modes, potentially increasing patronage.

The Jacobs Assessment included the following recommendations:

VicRoads has been working with Mitchell Shire Council and VPA to ensure that the improvements harmonise with the Wallan Masterplan and surrounding PSPs. This engagement should continue through the project lifecycle.

The project will provide an improved linkage between Wallan and East Wallan, which can be improved upon by the provision of active transport along Watson Street.

Landowners who are likely to be affected by the alignment should be consulted by VicRoads to ensure that impacts are minimised. Those owners who are affected by partial or full acquisition will need to be consulted by VicRoads to establish case‐specific mitigations. For businesses that are unaffected by land acquisition, continued provision of access and communication with landowners is the only required mitigation during construction.

VicRoads should consult with owners regarding potential mitigations and trade‐offs, consider early purchase applications, request to buy entire lots if making business unviable, and adjust the alignment to avoid major businesses where possible.

Land Use Impact Assessment Beveridge Williams was engaged to undertake a Land Use Impact Assessment of the project. Refer to Attachment I for a copy of the Land Use Impact Assessment dated February 2020.

The report assessed the land use impacts of a study area, defined as land around and including the project area. The report divided the study area into 12 precincts and assessed the Project's impact on each precinct. The report assessed that, on balance, 11 of these precincts would have an overall positive impact from the Project. For the remaining precinct, being the King and Queen Street

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precinct, the report noted:

'There are both positive and negative impacts to this precinct, however the impacts to the most sensitive residential areas are generally positive on balance, whereby existing and proposed land uses are not compromised. The negative impacts are to the less sensitive (relatively) Wallan Community Park and are considered to be short term, construction‐related environmental impacts, which can be appropriately managed'.

The Assessment identified the following key land uses within the project area that would be impacted by the project:

“Established residential dwellings,

Vacant land nominated for future urban development,

Farming and agricultural activities nominated for further urban development, and

Public land for civic and open space purposes, and commercial uses”.

In relation to the potential impacts, the Assessment stated “the development of the Project would not compromise land uses designated by existing land use zoning in the project area”.

The report concluded “that the Project is consistent with policy, where the project is clearly identified within State and local strategic planning policies. Long term planning for the project is evidenced by previous acquisition of land by DoT and application of appropriate zoning (specifically Stage 1). This has helped surrounding developments anticipate and plan for the project outcomes and is a good example of strategic infrastructure planning.

The Project would not result in any significant changes of land use within the project area. Negative land use impacts are localised, and site specific, and in many cases are temporary being associated with construction.

The Project would result in localised property impacts associated with land acquisition on recreational land (Wallan Community Park) and education land (Wallan Secondary College). Two community uses within the school site may need to be relocated. The project would not directly affect any residential properties. An undeveloped commercial site in the town centre would be affected by land acquisition, however the development potential of the site would remain consistent with Council’s town centre masterplan. Compensation for land acquisition impacts would be provided where appropriate consistent with the Land Acquisition and Compensation Act 1986, which provides for the payment of compensation (including disruption costs) for land acquisition.

Land use and planning related issues would be generally short term and construction related, such as impacts to native vegetation, utility services and amenity impacts, which would be appropriately managed through the implementation of a Construction Environmental Management Plan. In the longer term, losses of vegetation would be offset so that there is no net loss, and operational impacts to amenity would be minimised through landscaping and noise attenuation.

These localised impacts are outweighed by the project’s broader positive land use impacts, whereby the project presents a net community benefit”.

Noise Impact Assessment Octave Acoustics was engaged to undertake a Noise Impact Assessment of the project. Refer to Attachment J for a copy of the Noise Impact Assessment dated October 2018.

Octave Acoustics was required to determine traffic noise impacts and identify potential mitigation measures associated with the project. To inform the potential impact, noise monitoring was undertaken at six (6) locations adjacent to the project corridor as identified below in Table 6.

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Table 6: Summary of Noise Monitoring Results

Address Description of Prevailing Ambient Noise dB(A)

1 McCarthy Court Noise was dominated by traffic on Watson Street.

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17 Kirribilli Crescent Noise was dominated by traffic on the nearby Hume Hwy.

59

10 Lyons Way Noise was dominated by traffic on the Northern Highway with occasional dog barks.

58

5 Macsfield Road Noise was dominated by traffic on the Northern highway with occasional noise from agricultural equipment.

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55 Northern Highway Noise was dominated by traffic on the Hume Highway and Northern Highway with occasional birdsong.

68

20 Cardinia Place Noise was dominated by road traffic with occasional dog barks. This noise monitoring result was excluded from the assessment due to wind impacts on the noise recording device.

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Upon establishing the existing noise levels, the Project Objective Noise Level (PONL) was modelled for a ten year period for the properties adjacent to the proposed works. Once modelled, the assessment found that there were six (6) dwellings which would exceed the PONL if no mitigation measures were implemented.

The impacted dwellings were adjacent to the new north‐bound off‐ramp to be constructed from the Hume Freeway to Watson Street. The suggested mitigation measure to address the noise impact was to construct a 235m long noise wall between 2.5m and 3m as illustrated in Figure 26.

The recommended noise barrier is proposed to be included as part of the works for Stage 1 of the Project.

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Figure 26: Suggested Noise Mitigation

Social Impact Assessment WSP was engaged to undertake a Social Impact Assessment (SIA) of the project. Refer to Attachment K for a copy of the Social Impact Assessment, dated March 2020.

The report identified the community profile of the study area, and in particular, the rapidly expanding population base as is evident between 2011 and 2016, which (based on ABS data), resulted in a 30% increase in Wallan, a 19% increase in Kilmore and 167% increase in Beveridge. These population increases result from the commencement of designated growth areas including and surrounding Wallan which are being developed as part of a Precinct Structure Planning process by the Victorian Planning Authority.

The majority of people moving into the area are predominately young families with children, who are likely to have a higher demand for community services, such as maternal and child health care, kindergartens and primary schools. In addition, young families are more likely to have a higher demand for pedestrian and cycle connectivity and public access as secondary school‐aged children begin to travel independently.

The report identified key locations / activities within the community that have some form of significance, including the Avenue of Honour, Hadfield Park, and the primary and secondary schools within (and outside) of Wallan.

The report considered barriers to movement in the area, which could take the form of a physical barrier, topographical barrier, land use barrier or perceived barrier. Within the project area, the major barriers were identified as the urban growth boundary, large tracks of undeveloped private land and the Hume Freeway corridor.

The public and active transport options for local residents include two (2) bus routes extending between Wallan and the station in Wallan East and walking and cycling paths within the area. Refer to Figure 27 for a map illustrating the walking and cycling network in Wallan as contained in WSP’s report.

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Figure 27: Walking and cycling network

From the feedback obtained during the Social Impact Assessment, it was clear that stakeholders and communities were generally in favour of the project and saw the benefits of increasing the capacity along the Northern Highway and Watson Street. Residents noted the changing character of the area due to the increased population, and resultant increase in traffic congestion.

The SIA identified both positive and negative impacts of the proposal having regard to the established baseline (existing situation). As part of the SIA, WSP considered the potential impacts resulting from the following land acquisition:

Two (2) buildings on the northern side of the Wallan Secondary College (93 Watson Street), which are occupied by the Central Ranges Local Learning and Employment Network;

Some land from the southern boundary of 100 Watson Street, occupied by the 1st Wallan Scouts (but excluding the structure or land actively used by the scouts);

Some land along the southern boundary of the Wallan Community Park; and

Green space and trees in the existing Watson Street road and interchange reserve.

The loss of greenspace and car parking along Watson Street was considered preferable compared to the current traffic congestion in the area for residents. Further, it was acknowledged that with the construction of the Fire Station and Police building on the northern side of Watson Street, the duplication was expected to occur on the southern side of Watson Street.

The following safety concerns were raised by residents during the consultation:

The lack of a footpath along Watson Street forced people to drive;

Right turns into Watson Street are difficult due to the existing congestion and volume of traffic; and

Congestion along the Northern Highway resulted in traffic back up and stopped in a 110km/hr zone.

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The suggested mitigation actions required to address impacts are identified below in Table 7.

Table 7: Summary of Social Impact Mitigation Measures

Area of Impact: Proposed mitigation

Dislocation: Prepare a detailed and targeted consultation strategy to ensure that residents and local communities are informed well in advance of any disruptions and are regularly updated about ongoing and planned works and alternate routes. Ensure that the consultation plan makes provisions for a single point of contact for affected communities, and an avenue to provide feedback on both the construction and consultation approaches.

Consult with local communities early and throughout to inform the design of the shared user path and landscaping element in response to community needs and ensure that the existing use of the area is understood and addressed. This includes the urban design and beautification of Watson Street.

Community Health & wellbeing:

Continue to consult with communities regarding disruptions, the impact of changed traffic conditions and identify opportunities to carry out works at night or during off‐peak times to minimize disruptions.

Ensure that pedestrian, cycle and dog walking access is retained wherever possible during construction to ensure that local communities have access to safe and convenient active modes of transport, particularly between residential ar

Documents

Amendment C129 to the Mitchell Planning Scheme...Amendment C129 to the Mitchell Planning Scheme Wallan Area Network Improvements Planning Report September 2020 Client: Dominion Property