Following a motion moved by Greens Councillor Sylvie Ellsmore, Marrickville Council last night refused a request by WestConnex
sub-contractors to access local roads to install underground electricity mains for the proposed St Peters Interchange.
Greens NSW WestConnex spokesperson and Member for Newtown Jenny Leong said:
“Clr Ellsmore and Marrickville Council last night showed strong solidarity with all the members of the community opposing the WestConnex tollroad project.
“Residents and community groups made over 12,000 submissions concerning the New M5 Stage 2 WestConnex plans and most universally condemn this project. Many call for the St Peters component of the works to be completely reshaped.
“The only reason contractors would be applying to dig up streets and lay cables before any formal planning approval has been granted is if the Baird Liberal Government has no intention of genuinely considering the submissions from the community about this stage of the project,” she said.
Greens Councillor Sylvie Ellsmore said:
“This refusal means the State Government must now decide whether to override the democratic decision made by Marrickville Council and continue ignoring the growing community campaign opposing WestConnex.
“The massive tunnel and overpass at St Peters that is part of Stage 2 of WestConnex has no planning approval and should not be being built.
“This latest application by the WestConnex Delivery Authority to rip up Marrickville Council’s roads and footpaths is not yet just “test” drilling. This is preparation works.
“Last night Marrickville Council chose to stand with residents, some of whom are out there every week putting their bodies on the line to stop this project. With the introduction of the Baird anti-protest laws these residents now risk up to 7 years in prison for peacefully protesting.
“This latest refusal sends another strong message to the State Government that Marrickville Council and the residents oppose this project. We must continue to do whatever we can to prevent WestConnex from proceeding,” Clr Ellsmore said.
