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Community unites for sustainable transport

Kylie Moon & Stuart Martin

1 November 2008

More than 1000 protesters crammed into the entrance of Flinders Street Station on October 26 for the Community Rally for Sustainable Public Transport, and to oppose the Victorian state government’s planned East-West road tunnel and extensions. These would result in massive destruction of homes and shift more trucks and commuter traffic into the suburbs.

This was the first rally called by the newly formed Coalition of Transport Action Groups, made up of community groups that have sprung up in response to the proposals. Groups including No Freeway 4 West Footscray; Brimbank Tunnel Action Group; Royal Park Protection Group; Yarra Campaign Against the Tunnel, and the Flemington Association have joined forces.

The protest heard from a range of speakers from the groups, who outlined the impact of the projects, including the predicted compulsory acquisition of 800-1000 homes for the construction works, and the loss of parks and public land to unnecessary and unsustainable roadways.

The most significant feature of this rally was the coming together of diverse grassroots groups in united action against a government that has not got a good track record for listening to the concerns of residents over corporate
interests. For more information visit http://www.ycat.org.au.