Have your say: proposed change to the North East Link Program boundary

Published: Monday 18 May 2026

The North East Link Program (NELP) is proposing changes to its project boundary for the Eastern Freeway upgrades.

In Whitehorse, the proposed boundary expansion affects the following locations:  

  • Site W1 - Koonung Creek Parkland near Jocelyn Avenue, Balwyn North
  • Site W2 - Tram Road Reserve and Koonung Creek Linear Park, Box Hill North (Eram Park)
  • Site W3 - Koonung Creek Reserve near Wetherby Road, Blackburn North

We encourage you to submit your feedback via the consultation page on Engage Victoria by Wednesday 27 May: ​Eastern Freeway Upgrades Planning Scheme Amendment GC271 | Engage Victoria

What is being proposed

The North East Link Program is proposing to expand the project boundary at eight locations along the Eastern Freeway across Manningham, Boroondara, Whitehorse and Yarra City councils. This change aims to facilitate flood mitigation and utility works.

The proposed changes will impact land adjacent to the Eastern Freeway upgrades between Doncaster Road and Springvale Road.  

If approved, the amendment would allow the following works to occur:

  • utility upgrades, including drainage and transport systems
  • temporary construction access and work sites
  • vegetation removal where required
  • continued design and construction planning

In Whitehorse, the proposed changes affect 3 locations. 

Overview of locations of land affected by the amendment in Whitehorse
Location of land affected by the amendment within the Whitehorse Local Government Area, Strategic Assessment Report, May 2026

Site W1 - Koonung Creek Parkland near Jocelyn Avenue, Balwyn North 

extract from Fact Sheet – Koonung Creek Parkland near Jocelyn Avenue, Balwyn North
Extract from Fact Sheet – Koonung Creek Parkland near Jocelyn Avenue, Balwyn North

Site W2 - Tram Road Reserve and Koonung Creek Linear Park, Box Hill North (Eram Park)

extract from Fact Sheet – Tram Road Reserve and Koonung Linear Park, Box Hill North (Eram Park)
Extract from Fact Sheet – Tram Road Reserve and Koonung Linear Park, Box Hill North (Eram Park)

Site W3 - Koonung Creek Reserve near Wetherby Road, Blackburn North 

extract from Fact Sheet – Koonung Creek Reserve near Wetherby Road, Blackburn North
Extract from Fact Sheet – Koonung Creek Reserve near Wetherby Road, Blackburn North

Potential impacts for the Whitehorse community

Residents and park users in affected suburbs may experience impacts associated with construction and infrastructure works, particularly in areas close to the proposed boundary changes. These may include access to open space, vegetation removal or temporary disruption during construction.

Detailed designs are not yet finalised, but the amendment would enable the next stage of planning and delivery of the project.  

Have your say

We encourage community members and local traders to review the amendment and provide feedback before the closing date, Wednesday 27 May 2026.  

To learn more and make a submission, visit the North East Link Program consultation page on Engage Victoria: ​Eastern Freeway Upgrades Planning Scheme Amendment GC271 | Engage Victoria

Submissions close on Wednesday 27 May 2026. 

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