Within the next year an overpass, taking Robinsons Road over the new Peninsula Link freeway, will traverse the soil where they are standing, although the couple have yet to be advised of the exact route.

So far, they have tried in vain to stop the road going through their property, which was established in 1924 by Sir Russell Grimwade, an eminent Victorian scientist, industrialist and philanthropist.

Sir Russell used the property to grow poppies and other medicinal plants to make vital medicines for Australian soldiers serving in World War II.

Mrs Welsh is increasingly concerned about noise mitigation measures, particularly in light of the release of the Freight Futures report two months ago that suggests Peninsula Link could be a major road link joining an expanded Port of Hastings and Melbourne.

Mrs Welsh says the habitat of wildlife such as kookaburras, which are common on Westerfield, will be further degraded by the freeway. "If we keep going along like this there will be nowhere for birds and other animals to live," she said.

At the couple's request, Frankston MP Alistair Harkness has agreed to take a tour of the property this week as they try to arrest the inevitable aquisition of a large part of their land and history.

The State Government is forming a community reference group for the Peninsula Link project, chaired by Maroondah Council chief executive Mike Marasco.

Roads Minister Tim Pallas said the reference group would build on the success of the EastLink community advisory group, which "resulted in many community enhancements to the project".