Scotch College

Freeway expansion rocks Scotch

Scotch College is yet again faced with the loss of land as Transburban and VicRoads recently announced plans to further widen the CityLink toll road. A strip of approximately four metres will be involved through compulsory land acquisition by the Victorian Government.

At least five mature native trees will be removed to make room for piers to be constructed on the northern side of Gardiner’s Creek. These will support one new lane of elevated roadway.

The School had argued that further widening on the northern side would aggravate the damage to our playing fields caused by the removal, only a few years ago, of 11 metres when the roadway was previously expanded. While Scotch will obviously be compensated for this irreplaceable loss, it is true to reflect that financial recompense does little to replace amenity lost in this way.

Naturally we are very concerned that anticipated increase in traffic volumes, predicted to rise by 50%, will have a damaging impact on Scotch’s environment. Strongly led by Scotch Council member Dr David Kemp, the School has developed relationships with the relevant authorities and will be vigorously pursuing much better protection against freeway noise than we currently experience.

We are encouraged in this important matter by the intervention of Boroondara Council on behalf of its citizens who live overlooking Gardiner’s Creek. In an important move, it has been indicated that the speed limit along the section of roadway will drop to 80 km/h and that Transurban is expected to discuss the possible construction of a new and much improved noise wall to reduce noise pollution.

Our endeavour will be to ensure the best possible outcome for Scotch, in spite of the imposition of land loss in this unfortunate way.

Dr F G Donaldson AM
Principal

Photographer: Craig Abraham