Wurundjeri elders paced a section of the proposed rail corridor to South Morang last week as part of preparations for the Mernda rail extension.
Elders Allan Wandin, Ron Jones and Robert Mullins walked the tracks near Old Plenty Road, along with Yan Yean MP Danielle Green and Mill Park MP Lily D’Ambrosio, last Tuesday to assess the route’s cultural heritage value.
Wurundjeri Tribe Land Cultural Heritage Council members will walk the entire length of the proposed rail extension progressively.
Public Transport Victoria (PTV) has enlisted Dr Vincent Clarke and the elders to prepare a cultural heritage management plan, an essential prerequisite for any significant changes to land use in culturally sensitive areas.
Ms D’Ambrosio said the support of traditional owners was critical to the project’s success. “I would like to acknowledge and thank the traditional land owners, the Wurundjeri people,” she said.
“The start of cultural heritage assessment is an important milestone for the Mernda rail project, which will deliver train services to thousands in the Mernda-Doreen growth corridor.”
Ecological surveys have already been completed and PTV representatives last week surveyed South Morang train commuters about the best location for the new second station.
Community workshops will be held over the next two weeks. PTV is also seeking public input into how to best integrate the new Mernda station into its surrounds.
Workshops will start on Tuesday, July 21, 7-8.30pm, at Marymede Catholic College, 60 Williamsons Road, South Morang.
The next will be on Sunday, July 26, 11.30am-1.30pm, at the Whittlesea community activity centre, 57-61 Laurel Street, Whittlesea.
And Mernda Village community activity centre will host a workshop on Sunday, August 2, 11.30am-1.30pm.
