MEDIA RELEASE

From:         No Freeway 4 West Footscray

Date:          Friday October 17th, 2008

Contacts:   Lucy 0411 577 797     Claire 0401 218 459

Community Meeting Urged By Residents Group

The No Freeway 4 West Footscray Group have demanded more consultation from their local member, Marsha Thomson.  The distinct lack of awareness though the community about plans that will see a monstrous 6 lane elevated freeway cut through the heart of the suburb and impact hundreds of homes, indicates that we need both information and consultation.

We urge Ms Thomson to swiftly arrange a community meeting to clear the air regarding the elevated freeway proposal and how the whole project will affect her constituents.  The meeting should include Minister for Roads and Ports, Tim Pallas, and be an open forum where impacted residents can air their concerns as well as be informed.

“It’s time our local member stood up for our community. We are hardly a bunch of radicals here – just ordinary people whose lives are about to be turned upside down” John Cruse, a local resident said.

“And what frustrates us most is that our local member will not meet the community and is happy keep us in the dark about a proposal that will see young families and elderly long term residents have their houses pulled down and their lives completely disturbed”

“I guess the fact that she lives in the lovely leafy suburb of Essendon and is far from affected by the proposed elevated Tollway might explain he lack of concern for her constituents.”

“We need a local member in this area who understands the community, listens to it and lobbies on our behalf.  I’m not sure that Ms Thompson does understand or represent the area strongly enough”

No Freeway 4 West Footscray calls on Ms Thomson to hold a community meeting and listen first hand to resident concerns.  “More than 250 people came to our recent information night and we are sure that Ms Thomson could draw a similar crowd.”  Said group spokesperson Dianne Rendle

“Perhaps she could join us at the community rally on Oct 26th we will be at the steps of Flinders St Station at 12midday and we would love to see Ms Thomson supporting her constituents.”

We also call on Ms Thomson to demonstrate her commitment to the community by presenting our petition against the proposal to parliament.

For more information on the rally or involvement in the ongoing campaign contact Lucy 0411 577 797 or Claire 0401 218 459.