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By Sean Chen
In mid-January, we spoke to Bulleen residents and business owners affected by the North East Link construction. Their experiences highlight both frustrations and hopes for the project’s completion.
Lisa, who lives 500 metres from the site, describes the night lights as “lit up like the MCG”, making sleep difficult, while drilling noises keep her tossing and turning. Her neighbour, Jenny, shares concerns over noise and deforestation: “Bulleen Road used to be a beautiful drive, but (the works) have changed the whole feeling of the town.”
Dong, a resident of 23 years, experiences shaking from drilling and constant dust buildup. He suggests better multilingual communication about the project’s impacts. “A lot of people in our community don’t speak English well. They don’t know where to ask for help or what to expect.” Meanwhile, Michael downplays disruptions, calling the noise “minimal” and supports the project: “With more people in cars, we need better infrastructure.”
Traffic hazards also worry residents. Giovanna finds driving more dangerous due to worsened congestion, while Suzanne, staying temporarily, avoids going out because it’s “incredibly confusing.” Maalek, a Burgertory manager, frequently hears honking and suggests lowering the speed limit. “Drivers just need to be careful.”
Tragedy struck last August when bakery owner Yen Nguyen was fatally hit by a truck at the Bulleen intersection. Maalek recalls the frequent sounds of beeping horns and confusion in the area. “It’s a sensitive area.” The intersection’s unclear road markings and increased traffic have led to multiple non-fatal accidents.
For businesses, the impact varies. While Burgertory benefits from an influx of workers on lunch breaks, Shin, owner of New Life Aquarium and Pets, struggles with “one or two customers a day” as road closures limit parking. He has received no compensation for business losses. “It’s even worse for the restaurants, especially with road closures at night.” Nearby, one shop had a letter from the landlord plastered on its window, citing unpaid rent.
Despite frustrations, many residents anticipate the project’s benefits — less congestion, improved transport, and a dedicated busway. Others remain skeptical, concerned about environmental damage and cost overruns. “It baffles me how a government project could blow out their budget almost tenfold,” one resident remarked.
While opinions remain divided, what’s clear is that the North East Link has deeply affected Bulleen’s residents and businesses. Their experiences, whether of hardship or hope, deserve to be heard.
