Construction of Phase 1 at the River Red Gum precinct is now well underway. This update outlines our progress to date and addresses concerns about impacts on nearby residents.

Where we are now

Phase 1 construction commenced in August 2025 and involves substantial groundwork to prepare the site for future development. Over the past couple of months, contractors have been focused on:

• Site preparation
  A new soil recycling facility is being established in the northwest section of the site, and work has begun on dismantling the existing soil depot. This facility will support sustainable soil management throughout the project and into the future.

• Major earthworks
  The team is currently working on leveling the site, disposing of excess spoil mounds, and preparing drainage infrastructure. This foundational work is essential for everything that follows - roads, services, development of memorial areas, and landscaping.

Addressing Dust Impacts

Phase 1 has presented particular challenges, especially for Andrew Street neighbours.

Over recent weeks, GMCT has received feedback from several residents about dust from the construction site affecting their homes and daily routines. The project team acknowledges this impact and sincerely apologises for the inconvenience and frustration this has caused.

Why this phase is particularly dusty

Some of the site’s natural conditions make dust management challenging:

• Dry, sandy soil that easily becomes airborne

• Exposed, open land with limited existing vegetation

• Wind exposure from the site’s location

These conditions have been compounded by the scale of earthworks required during this initial phase.

The concerns raised by residents have been heard and taken seriously, with a number of actions underway.

Additional dust mitigation measures

The project team has been working closely with contractors to significantly reduce dust impacts. Several new measures have been implemented:

• Dedicated water truck operator
  A dedicated water truck operator is now assigned, whose sole role is to ensure consistent soil wetting during working hours to significantly reduce dust generation.

• Fence mesh installation
  Mesh will be installed along the temporary fence on the residential boundary to help contain dust and debris.

• Daily weather monitoring and proactive response
  Weather conditions are being monitored daily. During high wind events, proactive measures, including temporary pausing of work, will be implemented to minimise dust dispersion.

• Airborne dust and air quality monitoring
  Continuous monitoring of airborne dust and overall air quality will be implemented and regularly reviewed to ensure compliance with environmental standards and community expectations.

We are currently investigating additional dust control options including hydroseeding or mulching inactive earthwork areas, as well as the application of a dust suppressant to inactive exposed surfaces.

What Comes Next

Short term (next 3-6 months)

Over the coming months, the focus will be on completing major earthworks and soil levelling, starting construction of the northern road, and installing essential infrastructure. As sections of the site are completed, native grasses will be established to stabilise the ground.

Phase 1 completion (expected August 2026)

By the time Phase 1 is complete, the site will feature new burial and memorial areas, along with completed road and essential infrastructure. Boundary landscaping and screening plantings will be established, part of the shared bicycle and pedestrian path will be operational, and grassed areas will significantly reduce dust.

Future construction phases will involve substantially less earthwork, as the major site preparation will be complete.

Community Coffee Drop-In

We invite you to join us for a casual coffee drop-in with representatives from GMCT, our contractor Unyte, and the project design team.

This will be an opportunity to learn more about the vision for the project, raise any concerns and hear more about what’s being done as this work takes shape.

When: Friday, 31 October 2025

Time: 7-9am

Location: Northern Memorial Park, May Street entrance

All are welcome. Free coffee provided.