North East Link Faces Criticism Over 7,000 Non-Disclosure Agreements

The $26 billion Victorian road project has drawn scrutiny for its extensive use of confidentiality agreements, raising concerns about transparency and public accountability.

• The North East Link, Victoria's largest road construction project, has signed over 7,000 non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) with individuals and organizations.
• Critics argue the NDAs create excessive secrecy, with some residents forced to sign agreements to receive compensation for property or vehicle damage caused by construction activities.
• The project's cost has ballooned from an initial estimate of $10 billion to $26 billion, attributed to rising material, labor, and regulatory costs.
• Government officials defend the NDAs as standard practice to protect the privacy of affected individuals, while opponents claim they limit public scrutiny and accountability.
• The North East Link is scheduled to open in 2028, connecting the M80 in Greensborough to the Eastern Freeway in Bulleen, with an expected daily usage of over 130,000 vehicles.

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