Concerns rail removal works are impacting wildlife

The McGregor Rd crossing is set to be removed as part of the statewide LXRP - but some residents are concerned works are impacting native wildlife. 221325_01

By Gabriella Payne

Local residents near the McGregor Road rail crossing have shared concerns that the Level Crossing Removal Project (LXRP) works could be causing negative impacts to native wildlife, after noticing changes in the area.

Scott Taylor, a longtime Pakenham resident, said he had been walking his dog near the McGregor Road crossing for many years and often heard croaking frogs along the corridor – until recently.

“For years and years I’ve walked down the corridor that runs along Flower Street, from Roger Street towards the Coles carpark with my dog, and usually you can hear a carousel of croaking frogs,“ he said.

“But I was dumbfounded [on a recent walk] as I did not hear one frog noise.“

“I don’t think it’s an area where lots of people walk and I’m not sure if people knew that frogs were there, but I’m just concerned that there might not have been environmental studies done in that area.“

Mr Taylor said that he had tried contacting both the LXRP team and the Cardinia Shire Council with his concerns, but had not heard back from either authority.

With LXRP works ramping up in the area and major construction set to begin in that corridor from Tuesday 11 January 2022, Mr Taylor said that he hoped native wildlife would be considered and protected by the crossing removal teams.

A spokesperson from the LXRP said that the McGregor Road rail crossing removal works, which will see a rail bridge put in over the road, had been carefully planned and all potential impacts to wildlife had been analysed by a specialist.

“As with any major transport project, an ecologist inspects each work area before any construction begins,” the spokesperson said.

“Our team of ecologists performed a thorough inspection of the rail corridor and surrounding areas in Pakenham before any works were carried out and didn’t find any frogs in our works area.

“No frogs were found in this area; however, as is standard process, the environmental team will continue to monitor the location.”

Major works will be happening within the rail corridor between McGregor Road and East Pakenham from Tuesday 11 January to Sunday 23 January 2022.

This will result in some road closures and night works at the level crossings on McGregor Road, Main Street and Racecourse Road during this time.

For more information on the rail crossing removal project at McGregor Road, head to levelcrossings.vic.gov.au/projects/mcgregor-road-pakenham