About Eastlink landscaping project

The EastLink landscaping project stands among on of the largest and most ambitious projects ever delivered by ecoDynamics, encompassing 480 hectares of landscaped corridor, 70 constructed wetlands, and the planting of over 4 million native trees, shrubs, and groundcovers.

Commercial landscaping on an unprecedented scale

Eastlink is a 39-kilometre electronic tollway connecting the Eastern Freeway in Mitcham with the Frankston Freeway and Mornington Peninsula Freeway in Melbourne’s southeast. Delivered by Thiess John Holland at a cost of $2.5 billion, it remains Victoria’s largest urban road project.

Landscape Australia recognised EastLink as one of the ten most significant works of Australian landscape architecture between 2001 and 2017.

The project corridor passes through:

• 5 local government areas
• 11 major environmental vegetation communities
• 15 distinct landscape character types.

Scope of works

ecoDynamics’ VIC Landscaping team secured a major contract to deliver:

• 480 hectares of new landscaping
• 4 million+ native trees, shrubs, and groundcovers
• 70 engineered wetlands to manage rainwater runoff.

The requirements were unprecedented in scope, demanding innovative planning, integrated delivery, and extensive resources.

A collaborative approach to mitigating risk

Recognising the risk of delivering such a vast landscaping program on time, Thiess John Holland JV approached ecoDynamics to enter an alliance contract.

This integrated project model unified construction and landscaping personnel into one cohesive team, ensuring seamless coordination and shared problem-solving across disciplines.Our specialised expertise in large-scale landscaping proved vital to the success of this collaborative approach.

Scaling up for success

Meeting the scale of Eastlink required a transformative expansion of our business capabilities:

• ecoDynamics’ VIC nursery capacity more than doubled to supply millions of plants
• Timber processing at ecoDynamics’ Mossrock mulch depot increased significantly
• Up to 50,000 native plants installed daily to maintain pace with construction milestones
• Over 100 ecoDynamics’ team members worked on-site daily across the two-year delivery period (at peak).

Innovation in workforce sourcing

To meet labour demands, ecoDynamics broadened its recruitment strategy, welcoming new participants into the landscaping industry. We employed individuals from agricultural backgrounds, including a large number from Cambodian heritage who since have become valued long-term members of ecoDynamics’ skilled workforce.

Overcoming harsh environmental challenges

Construction occurred during the millennial drought, necessitating summer planting in conditions averaging 38 °C. To ensure plant survival we ensured:

• Up to 6 water carts operated continuously
• Planting continued year-round to meet deadlines.

Despite the conditions, the project achieved an impressive 95% survival rate for installed vegetation.

Award-winning outcomes

The Eastlink Landscaping Project has received numerous accolades, including:

• 2016/17 – GSERB Infrastructure Assessment: 5-star rating
• 2010 – AILA Landscape Architecture Award – Design (Victoria)
• 2009 – Outstanding Social Impact, Architectural & Design Excellence in the Southeast (Victoria)
• 2009 – Chairman’s Premier Award, Architectural & Design Excellence in the Southeast (Victoria)
• 2009 – Outstanding Urban Design, Architectural & Design Excellence in the Southeast (Victoria).

Lasting partnerships and ongoing care

The success of Eastlink was built on a foundation of collaborative contractual arrangements that encouraged genuine partnership and problem-solving among all stakeholders. Our partnership with John Holland has extended to other major projects including Ravenhall Prison, Airport Drive, and Malmsbury Bypass. More than a decade after Eastlink opened to the public, ecoDynamics VIC Landscaping continued to support its maintenance. Additionally, our Services team regularly assisted the road operator, ConnectEast, with re-mulching and landscape management to ensure the corridor remaind a sustainable, natural asset for generations to come.

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Ready to build landscapes that last?
At ecoDynamics, we specialise in delivering large-scale, complex landscaping projects that leave a lasting legacy.

If you’re looking for an experienced partner to deliver world-class green infrastructure, visit our Construction Landscaping page or contact us today to discuss your project.