What to expect
Whilst we will make every effort to ensure inconveniences are kept to a minimum, there will be some localised impacts:
Working hours
Night works may be required where the pipeline crosses under roads to minimise traffic disruption. Residents and businesses will be advised if works are necessary outside these hours.
Noise and vibration
Some noise and vibration are expected during construction from trucks, machinery and reversing beepers. We will work closely with the appointed contractor to manage noise impacts as much as practicable.
Dust
Dust is to be expected throughout construction. The team will use water trucks to minimise this impact.
Impacts on local traffic and streets
To complete our works safely, there will be some changes to the traffic conditions. Approved traffic management contractors will be used to direct traffic, pedestrians and cyclists safely around our worksites. Local communities will be provided with more information about expected changes to traffic conditions, including the timing of planned activities, changes to traffic, access and parking conditions before starting work.
Temporary changes on street parking
There will be no on-street parking on the impacted areas and only local vehicle access available within the work zone while the works are undertaken. Access to some driveways will be impacted as works travel past. We will work closely with impacted residents to manage disruptions.
Please keep in mind that because of these temporary closures that will be taking place, there will be limited on-street parking available in neighbouring streets for residents during these periods. The project will reopen the road as soon as it is safe to do so.
Vegetation removal and trimming
- Will any trees around the reservoir be removed?
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An arborist has assessed the trees surrounding Mount Waverley Reservoir and reported that they are coming to the end of their life. Due to the risks of branches and limbs falling onto our neighbours or damaging the reservoir, the trees will be removed in stages.
The trees near the work area are being removed first as trenching and working beside trees can undermine their root systems, making them more unstable and unsafe.
The arborist assessment has also identified many of the Cypress trees are coming to the end of their life, addition to risks of branches and limbs falling onto neighbouring properties and further damaging the reservoir.
Melbourne Water has been developing a long-term management plan, which includes staged removal of trees and vegetation on site. In general, trees are required to be removed to facilitate renewal works and alleviate damages to pipes from roots.
The current staging involves:
Stage 1
- Vegetation removal required along the north-eastern boundary of the reservoir and along western boundary adjacent to Reserve access from Fleet Street.
- Trees along the alignment are to be removed as trenching and working alongside these trees can undermine their root systems, making them more unstable and unsafe.
- These trees are required for removal for the additional reasons of their roots having caused damaged to the existing pipeline and reservoir walls.
Stage 2
- Will occur as part of a later project to strengthen the reservoir walls that have been damaged by the roots of boundary vegetation.
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The second stage of tree removal will occur in 2-3 years as part of a later project to strengthen the reservoir embankment.
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Some additional trees along the alignment and within Mount Waverley Reserve will also be removed or trimmed.
Careful vegetation management is important for the following reasons:
- What steps have been taken to avoid tree removals?
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A thorough process was undertaken to minimise tree removal, including:
- Adjusting the new water main location to avoid trees where possible
- Design efficiencies that minimise the project's footprint, and
- Use of construction methodologies aimed at minimising impacts to tree roots.
- We have worked closely with an arborist and Monash Council.
- Are the trees identified for removal being replaced?
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We recognise that trees are important for the community, and therefore, it is important for the project to consider offsetting or replacing some of the trees. We are working closely with Monash Council to develop a reinstatement strategy within Mount Waverley Reserve that complements the Mount Waverley Reserve Master Plan and benefits the community. Reinstatement works will occur at the end of the project in late 2024. Unfortunately, some trees will still need to be removed.
Frequently asked questions
Monash Council works
Review the Monash Council Mount Waverley Reserve Masterplan.
Community bulletins
Keeping you informed
We will continue to keep our neighbours and the community informed about the water main renewal in Mount Waverley through notification letters, site signage and community information sessions to ensure you are informed of upcoming works. For more information about this project, please call the project team on:
1800 931 106
[email protected]
