Landscaping the Union and Mont Albert LCRP (UMA)
Project Overview
ecoDynamics was engaged for the UMA project based on our proven ability to deliver high-quality landscape outcomes under pressure. With eight successful Level Crossing Removal Projects completed across Melbourne’s Southeast, the client trusted our capacity to meet tight deadlines without compromising quality.
The project involved removing the Mont Albert and Surrey Hills railway stations and level crossings, replacing them with the new Union Station. Built within a rail trench beneath road bridges at Mont Albert Road and Union Road, the station offers a more integrated and efficient transport solution for the community.
What set us apart was our flexibility and speed. With deep in-house expertise, resources, and equipment, we mobilised rapidly and adapted seamlessly as the project evolved—delivering unmatched reliability and responsiveness. Given the site’s constrained urban environment, early planning was key. We identified and established dedicated stockpile zones to manage materials efficiently. Close coordination with the client, traffic teams, and other contractors was essential due to limited access and a tightly packed construction schedule. Our collaborative, communication-driven approach ensured these complexities were navigated with ease.
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Project Manager Insights
Tim Gray, ecoDynamics Landscaping PM
“This was a complex landscape in a high-profile area, delivered within a very tight timeline. It was an extremely challenging but incredibly rewarding project to manage. I’ll genuinely miss it once the maintenance period ends—I love seeing how the landscape evolves with every visit.”
“We often have residents stop us during maintenance just to say how great the landscape looks. That kind of feedback makes the hard work worthwhile.”
“It’s like having a landscaping Swiss army knife—the depth of resources, the people, the gear, the process—it all just works. Clients often tell us we’re one of the easiest subcontractors to work with, and that’s something we’re really proud of.”
Scope of work
ecoDynamics delivered all soft landscaping works for the Union and Mont Albert Level Crossing Removal Project, showcasing our full-service capability and in-house delivery model.
Our scope included:
- Garden bed & turf construction
Subgrade ripping, topsoiling, and application of organic and rock mulches, plus installation of over 2,000 m² of instant turf. - Raingarden installation
Complex profile construction using HDPE liners, ag drains, drainage aggregate, sandy loam filter media, and granite mulch. - Planting works – Over 65,000 plants installed on-site, including:
- 400+ advanced trees
- 45,000+ 140mm pots
- 20,000+ tubestock
- Irrigation installation
1,300+ m² of irrigation completed in-house across all turf and garden areas. - Materials moved
- 4,500+ m³ of topsoil
- 1,300+ m³ of organic mulch
- 60+ m³ of inorganic mulch
- Specialist equipment
Blower and slinger trucks were used extensively to boost productivity and access constrained areas.
While plants were client-supplied, all planting and construction works were completed by ecoDynamics crews. Some early-stage material installation was delivered by subcontractors under our management.
Ongoing Maintenance
As the project moves into its final phase, ecoDynamics continues to maintain and refine the landscape ahead of the December handover. Key tasks include:
- Final infill planting
- Mulch and garden bed top-ups
- Turf topdressing and fertilisation
- Ongoing weed control and mowing
