"We are dying": Rail work delays suffocating Glen Waverley business

Until recently, Railway Parade North in Glen Waverley was a quick hop off the train for commuters after a long day of work to grab a quick bite at a restaurant or a quick bubble tea.

Now, the main thoroughfare is all but closed to traffic, due to ongoing Suburban Rail Loop (SRL) East works.

On Wednesday, the Eastern Melburnian spoke to the owner of Mixed Rice King, Mila. Mila and her husband have been running the business for more than 30 years, moving to their current Glen Waverley location five years ago, investing $500,000 in the process.

She said the works had slashed their business by about 70 per cent since they started in August.

“I’m so disappointed,” she said. “We need someone’s help. This is my life, my investment and now it’s gone.”

Mila said she was initially told the timeline for works was three months, but that had since been updated to this June or July. However, she and her husband are doubtful they will be able to keep the business until then.

“After four and a half months, they came in to give us the bad news,” Mila said.

“They are enjoying life, we are struggling. Me and my husband, we work for free here, just to keep us going.”

SRL East is the first stage of the project being delivered from Cheltenham to Box Hill, with 26 kilometres of twin tunnels connecting six new underground stations — Box Hill, Burwood, Glen Waverley, Monash, Clayton and Cheltenham.

Crews are moving underground services beneath Railway Parade North and Coleman Parade ahead of tunnelling of Suburban Rail Loop (SRL) East starting next year.

Existing road closures due to these works will remain in place until mid-2025, with traders not expected to face further disruptions once these works are completed.

Vehicle access for business owners and pedestrian access for customers has been maintained at all times during these works, with traffic management and signs in place to help people access businesses and available car parking.

Beyond creating new railway infrastructure, the project also aims to provide more housing for growing populations across Melbourne’s eastern suburbs, with the project set to be Australia’s largest housing project to date by delivering about 70,000 new homes by the 2050s.

A dedicated Glen Waverley business liaison manager and trader support team have been in regular contact with local traders, including Mixed Rice King, since the start of works in August, with multiple offers of support through vouchers, marketing campaigns and access to business upskilling resources.

The business will also be participating in the upcoming Lunar New Year event stall to encourage locals to shop at the business.

However, Mila said with rent costing close to $20,000 a month — and no compensation coming from the SRL East team — the couple are trying to hold on any way they can, including staying open on Christmas Day.

“We can’t survive, we are dying,” she said.

“They don’t care how we feel.

“They just promise, but no action.

“They are ignoring us.”

A Suburban Rail Loop Authority spokesperson said they were working with businesses to minimise disruption as much as possible.

“Our dedicated team is working directly with Glen Waverley businesses to deliver tailored support including providing vouchers, advertising campaigns, and supporting local events,” the spokesperson said.

"This city shaping project will deliver a brand new underground station in the heart of Glen Waverley by 2035 - cutting travel times and connecting passengers to jobs, health services and Australia's biggest universities for the first time."

Mila and her husband are aiming to protest the works in the centre of Glen Waverley over the coming weeks alongside other local business owners.