Campaign against Eastern Distributor

Campaign against Eastern Distributor

By Adam Nelson

SYDNEY — Whilst the anti-progressive pursuit of profits — the Eastern Distributor — bulldozes ahead, public transport activists continue their campaign to expose this environmental disaster.

Sixty tollway protestors assembled at a gate of the Moore Park construction site on September 13. After Waverley councillor Tom McLoughlin locked himself to a semitrailers bull-bar by his neck, a picnic was enjoyed in this formerly public space.

With the aid of hydraulic bolt cutters, the police made arrests, and six people were charged with trespass.

Early on the morning of September 29, three activists evaded a security guard and "locked on" to a 15 metre high crane. A large banner reading "Rail Not Road" was displayed to the traffic on South Dowling St.

Eventually police arrived, and four arrests were made, bringing the total number to 26.

A couple of well-attended doofs (raves) have been held on Steel Mountain (corner of Cleveland and South Dowling Streets).

Those who experienced Carmageddon 2 & 3 had one of the last opportunities to gaze down from their 50 metre high hill to see that beautiful green and public space. If Leighton Constructions finish, there will be a 50 metre wide noisy, ugly and smelly motorway running through it.

Truth About Motorways Pty Ltd has just filed a claim in the Federal Court alleging that Macquarie Infrastructure Investment Management Ltd, as manager of the Infrastructure Trust of Australia (ITA), has made false and misleading statements in the ITA prospectus in relation to the forecast traffic volumes of the Eastern Distributor.

As the ITA is funded by workers' superannuation, such allegations may hit many hip pocket nerves.

A major upcoming event is the inaugural Reclaim the Streets. In an occupied roadway and with live bands, DJs, food and anarchy, this street party will have it all. An absolute must: meet at Rest Park, Church St, Newtown, Saturday, November 1, at 1pm for march to the site.

For upcoming anti-Eastern Distributor demos, phone LinkUp, (02) 9247 4080.

From GLW issue 294