Formal Planning Advertising Period: Addressing Community Concerns
As part of the formal planning advertising period, the community has the opportunity to provide feedback about the proposed upgrades at Arthurs Seat Eagle. This update aims to openly address those concerns already expressed and explain how they have been carefully considered throughout the planning and design process.
The responses below draw on independent acoustic and visual assessments, expert technical studies, and detailed design refinements made in response to community input. Our goal is to ensure the proposed project continues to respect the people who live here, protect the landscape that makes Arthurs Seat special, and support a balanced, considerate approach to future improvements.
ENVIRONMENT & BIODIVERSITY
Q1. How will the proposed project protect vegetation, wildlife habitat, biodiversity, and manage erosion or landslide risks on this sensitive site?
Throughout all stages of the project’s planning, protecting vegetation, restoring habitats and safely managing erosion and landslide risks have been a priority.
The landscaping strategy, apart from visually softening the escarpment, is a control measure, which is inspired by the six seasons of the Kulin Nation and will use indigenous seeding along the luge corridor as part of a long-term revegetation program.
More than 25 locally native species will be introduced through staged seeding to stabilise slopes, reduce erosion and strengthen ecological connections. Tree Protection Zones will be respected, with additional seeding along the escarpment to soften the cleared areas and create new habitat for local wildlife.
A detailed geotechnical assessment confirms that, with the required control measures, landslide risk can be significantly reduced to low and acceptable levels for property and life.
Together, these measures ensure the landscape not only recovers but becomes healthier, more biodiverse and connected to the surrounding bushland over time.
DESIGN & LANDSCAPE INTEGRATION
Q2: How will the proposed luge be designed so that it visually blends with the Arthurs Seat landscape and maintains the natural character of the area?
The proposed luge has been designed to work with, rather than against, the Arthurs Seat landscape. The track will follow the natural slope and contours to minimise earthworks and keep as much existing vegetation as possible. Its alignment has been refined and shortened multiple times during the planning process and avoids Landslide no-build zones and sensitive ecological and cultural areas.
In many sections, the track is proposed to be elevated so animals can traverse, helping maintain habitat connections.
At the summit, the luge platform is proposed to be set into the natural slope with a landscaped roof to soften views from surrounding lookouts.
Visual assessments show that, around the base and in the wider landscape, the luge will generally appear only in glimpses and have a low visual impact once landscaping is established. Along short sections of Arthurs Seat Road, its presence will be more noticeable and is being carefully managed through design, materials and planting to fit within the natural surrounding character.
Q3: How will the proposed observation tower be designed to minimise visual impact, respect natural ridgelines, and maintain scenic views?
The proposed observation tower has been redesigned to better value the Arthurs Seat ridgeline and reduce its visual impact, while still affording the 360-degree views over both bays for the community and visitors to experience.
Its current design is slimmer and refined when compared to earlier versions, taking inspiration from the twisted forms of local gum trees, with a tapered top reduced to 10.5 metres in diameter. The viewing platform has also been reduced in size from accommodating 74 visitors to 55, helping to minimise ‘bulk’.
At approximately 34 metres high, the proposed tower rises only slightly above the tree canopy to maintain clear views without impeding on the natural skyline. Over time, creeping greenery will wrap the structure, softening its appearance and helping it blend into surrounding foliage over time.
Visual assessments confirm that while the tower will be visible from nearby lookouts, existing conditions, such as the telecommunications tower adjacent to the Arthurs Seat summit, help it sit more comfortably within the setting. Separate mitigation measures further reduce this to a moderate level of impact, with low or no noticeable change from most mid-range and distant viewpoints.
TRAFFIC & PARKING
Q4: How will traffic, parking, and local road safety be improved to support the expected increase in visitors?
We engaged expert consultants to undertake a traffic engineering assessment for the proposed expansion at Arthurs Seat Eagle. After reviewing the current conditions, daily operations and the details of the proposed expansion, they concluded that the existing parking network, including the Base Station, the Summit Station and the overflow parking available at Seawinds, coupled with other operational considerations, can adequately accommodate the projected parking demands.
The consultants acknowledged the likelihood of ‘busier’ days and concluded that this can (and will) be appropriately managed through our Traffic Management Plan. To ensure we are well prepared, we have action plans in place to help manage traffic, parking and road safety in the area. This includes:
Tiered traffic management based on expected visitor demand.
Scheduling and online ticketing to spread visitation throughout the day.
Shuttle bus services with temporary signage and traffic controls during peak times.
Clear communication to inform visitors about ticketing, parking, and traffic arrangements.
Ongoing monitoring and stakeholder consultation to manage traffic and parking effectively.
The consultation concluded that the traffic generated by the project will not create unacceptable impacts on the surrounding road network, with adequate bicycle parking provided and existing loading and bus areas continuing to service the Base and Summit Stations. Overall, there are no traffic engineering reasons to refuse the proposed expansion, provided appropriate measures are taken.
SAFETY & RISK MANAGEMENT
Q5: How will the proposed project manage bushfire risk, landslide safety, and emergency evacuation for visitors and the community?
The proposed upgrades have been shaped around keeping the community and area safe. Comprehensive bushfire and landslide assessments have guided every design decision, and include all the safety measures required by fire authorities, geotechnical experts and the . The stations have been positioned to increase defensible space in line with the proposed upgrades. This is supported by dedicated firefighting water supplies at both the Base and Summit stations, and the site will continue to close on Catastrophic fire-danger days. An updated Bushfire Emergency Management Plan provides a clear evacuation procedure for all visitors, including those with limited mobility. Staff will continue specialised rescue training to manage emergencies confidently.
Landslide risk has also been thoroughly assessed, and the luge alignment has been refined further so it avoids sensitive areas. With the recommended engineering controls in place, experts have confirmed the risk is now low and within accepted safety standards. Together, these measures show a clear commitment to doing everything possible to protect visitors, staff and the wider community, while ensuring the safety and resilience of Arthurs Seat’s natural landscape.
PRIVACY & NOISE
Q6: How is the proposed project making sure noise is managed, neighbours’ privacy is protected, and the size of new structures fits comfortably within the local area?
To protect the comfort and privacy of nearby properties, the proposed upgrades include a thoughtfully designed acoustic fence along the part of the luge closest to neighbours near the summit station. An independent noise assessment (completed under Victorian EPA guidelines) confirmed that the proposed luge meets all required noise limits with this fence in place. We’ve refined the luge design to make it as noise sensitive as possible. The refined Luge design has also resulted in reducing the length of the acoustic wall from 27 metres to 15 metres and keeping it to a modest 2.5 metres high
Slimline panels and additional planting have been proposed to help blend the acoustic wall naturally into the landscape. Its purpose is to reduce any potential noise and support the quiet enjoyment of neighbouring properties, ensuring the project sits comfortably and respectfully within the local area.
In addition to noise management, the project has also been designed to ensure the privacy and amenity of nearby homes are protected, particularly in relation to the proposed 34-metre tower. We recognise community concerns about potential privacy impacts, and the tower’s design has been carefully considered to avoid any overlooking of nearby homes or backyards. The tower incorporates an upper-level apron that directs all sightlines outward and above the treetops, meaning visitors will not have the ability to look into residential properties. The tower is located within ASE’s existing leasehold and positioned on previously built land or landscaped areas, avoiding any additional environmental impact. Existing mature trees around the tower will be retained to provide natural screening and help the structure sit comfortably within the landscape. Consistent with the recommendation of the Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment, material finishes and colours have been chosen to minimise contrast and reduce visibility from key viewpoints, ensuring the tower sits sensitively and respectfully within the natural and historic character of Arthurs Seat.
COMMUNITY & REGIONAL BENEFIT
Q7: How will this development contribute to the local community and broader region?
The proposed project is expected to deliver meaningful benefits for the local community, generating up to $45.4 million in economic output, 113 jobs and $17.2 million in value during the construction phase. Arthurs Seat Eagle already employs 70 to 90 locals, and the proposed upgrades will help create more stable, year-round jobs for residents.
With around 8.3 million visitors coming to the Peninsula each year, the enhanced experience is designed to encourage people to stay longer, explore more of the region and support the small businesses, services and attractions that local communities rely on. Overall, the revitalised Eagle will help strengthen the local economy and support a thriving, connected community.
REPORTS, TECHNICAL DETAIL & TRANSPARENCY
Q8: What technical reports (environmental, acoustic, engineering, cultural heritage, construction) support the proposal, and how will ASE make this information publicly accessible?
All technical reports required for the application of the proposed upgrades at Arthurs Seat Eagle are publicly accessible on the Victorian State Government Department of Transport and Planning website under our ministerial planning application. These documents are available to the general public and ensure the community has all the information they need during the public notice period.