BREAKING: Brimbank Council has urgently demanded that the Level Crossing Removal Project (LXRP) clarify how the upcoming Sunshine superhub will safeguard local heritage sites. This request comes after LXRP sought feedback on the project’s draft area boundary, highlighting significant concerns regarding the potential risk to historical landmarks.
The council’s plea emphasizes the necessity of protecting heritage sites within and adjacent to the project boundary, specifically noting that several locations could be impacted by construction activities. “Every effort should be made in the design and delivery phase of the project to protect and preserve local heritage places,” the council stated in their report.
Among the sites at risk are the iconic Sunshine Station signal box, the historic black arch railway bridge, and the Vic Railways DC substation. John Pardy, president of the Sunshine Historical Society, underscored the importance of the signal box, one of the oldest in the state. “To protect that signal box, it will require a design that makes it accessible because of its heritage value,” Pardy remarked, emphasizing the need for the superhub to contribute to making Sunshine a destination, preserving its historical charm.
In a response to the ongoing concerns, an LXRP spokesperson assured the community that they are diligently working on the superhub upgrades. “We will take every step needed to minimize impact and protect nearby heritage sites which we know are significant for the local community,” the spokesperson told Star Weekly.
The LXRP has committed to conducting extensive design, environmental, and heritage assessments for all projects, aiming to achieve optimal outcomes with minimal environmental disruption. They stated that the Sunshine superhub project is expected to have minimal impact on heritage sites. However, where impact is unavoidable, the LXRP will seek additional assessment and approval, including the preparation of required heritage impact assessments.
This urgent situation highlights the delicate balance between infrastructural development and heritage preservation. As the LXRP finalizes project scopes, the community remains watchful, eager to see how local heritage will be safeguarded amid these significant upgrades.
What’s Next: As feedback is integrated and project designs evolve, all eyes will be on how the LXRP addresses these pressing heritage concerns. Community members are encouraged to stay informed and engaged as the project progresses, ensuring that Sunshine’s rich history is honored and preserved for future generations.
