The Victorian Government is currently designing and constructing North East Link (NEL). 

The project will connect the M80 Ring Road in Greensborough to the Eastern Freeway at Bulleen Road and includes upgrades to the Eastern Freeway. 

The Minister for Planning has released a report regarding the environmental effects of the project and has amended the relevant planning schemes, including the Whitehorse Planning Scheme, to allow the project to proceed.  You can view the Minister’s assessment and other documents about the approval process on the Department of Transport and Planning website.
 

Council has advocated for the interests of the Whitehorse community since the project’s inception and regularly participates in discussions with the Victorian Government regarding community issues and opportunities.  

Eastern Freeway – Burke Road to Tram Road

In September 2024, the Minister for Planning approved the Urban Design and Landscape Plan for the widening of the Eastern Freeway between Burke Road and Tram Road (Station Street). During the consultation phase, Council lodged a submission requesting changes to enhance outcomes for the people and environment in Whitehorse. Read Council's submission. 

Works have commenced in Mont Albert North and Box Hill North. Information about these works can be found in the Works and disruptions section on the North East Link website.  

Eastern Freeway – Tram Road to Springvale Road

Works in the section of the project between Tram Road (Station Street) and Springvale Road have not yet commenced. Information about timelines for this phase of the project are on North East Link’s website. 

Tree planting

The removal of vegetation is a significant impact of this project. Council continues to advocate for the protection of existing trees while working with the Victorian Government to manage the impacts of the removals.  

As part of this effort, Council is collaborating with the Victorian Government to plant replacement trees near affected areas.  So far, the Victorian Government has funded Council to grow, plant and maintain approximately 600 trees, with many more to come.

Learn more about the tree planting efforts and on North East Link’s website. 

Further North East Link information can be found below.

Further project information

• North East Link Project
• Works and disruptions
• Fact sheets
• Community updates
• North East Community Fund

Whitehorse Council documents regarding North East Link

• Issues and Opportunities advocacy document - February 2023 ( PDF 3.77MB)
• Whitehorse Council submission regarding the Environmental Effects Statement ( PDF 471.67KB)
• Whitehorse Council submission regarding the Urban Design and Landscape Plan for the Eastern Freeway upgrades - Burke Road to Tram Road ( PDF 3.45MB)
• Collaboration with the Victorian Government regarding tree planting