City of Moonee Valley I spoke to David Dreadon, Co-ordinator of Environmental Planning at Moonee Valley City Council. I was told that the council had no control over the construction of the noise barriers. Transurban constructed noise barriers along the side of the tollway only where required by law to keep noise levels to determined standards.

According to Mr Dreadon there have been a lot of complaints to the council about loss of views. He said some residents who used to have fantastic views now have none at all. Over-shadowing is also a major problem for some. I was told that although clear panels solve this problem Transurban have refused to install any more because they are too expensive.

The Moonee Valley City Council claim they have realised that the tollway has been built and it won’t go away. So they want to work with Transurban to improve what is already there. Mr Dreadon said because the Moreland City Council was taking a tough stance and will not even negotiate with Transurban they were missing out.

Apparently most of the landscaping done by the Transurban died and rather then redo it themselves they paid the council to replant and maintain landscaping on the outside of the walls. The council feel that creating a screen of vegetation in front of the barriers is the best option for improving their appearance.

Mr Dreadon said many of the barriers have had the bottom half painted green by Transurban to try and combat graffiti problems. Some residents have complained that leaving the barriers only half painted makes them look worse and that they should be fully painted. However Transurban will not fund it. Mr Dreadon said Transurban only wanted to make money now, not spend any more. Especially not on the outside of the barriers, which he said Transurban were not interested in.

"Some feel that half painting barriers green to combat graffiti only makes them look worse"