Residents fight for Rupert Street rail buffer

Key points

• A strip of green space in West Footscray will no longer be used for construction on the Melbourne Airport Rail project, following a community campaign. Residents of Rupert Street Community had opposed its use as a construction laydown area, warning that trees and a buffer from the rail corridor could be lost.
• Spokesperson Julie Nunn said the group supported the project but questioned the need for tree removal. The project's spokesperson said the program had been altered to avoid using the land.
• Safety fencing will still be needed near First Street for three weeks to protect trees.