A new front in the battle against WestCONnex has opened up with the beginning of preparatory works at the Alexandria Landfill adjacent to Sydney Park in the inner west suburb of St Peters.
The landfill was chosen last year to be the site of a WestCONnex interchange, spewing anywhere between 30,000 to 100,000 cars a day into congested inner south-west streets.
Nearby residents are in uproar when they found out last week that asbestos would be removed. This is despite the Environmental Impact Statement not having been released, or approval granted, for that stage of WestCONnex.
The day after the hazardous materials started being trucked out of the site, with improperly covered vehicles through residential streets, local decided to take matters in to their own hands. A picket of 20 people turned up at 7am on August 14 and trucks were stopped for 3 hours.
Five police turned up almost immediately and gave move on orders: most people left for work but vowed to return.
The site will continue to be a thorn in WestCONnex’s side, as trucks will need to operate for 4 months to complete the task.
The previous day in NSW Parliament, local ALP member Ron Hoenig threw scorn on those raising concerns about the asbestos removal, despite having received countless emails and phone calls about it. His stance appears to be at odds with his supposed opposition to WestCONnex.
Those interested in taking part in pickets are asked to SMS the word ‘westcon’ to 0490 257 225 to get instant updates. Alternatively, follow Westonnex Direct Action on Facebook or @westconnexDA on twitter.
For more information about WestCoNnex visit the website.
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