Residents oppose freeway extension
By Sean Lennon
MELBOURNE — The campaign against the Eastern Freeway extension has stepped up a gear after VicRoads ordered the destruction of 70 trees, some over 100 years old, in Alexandra Parade, Carlton. Three buildings, one with heritage listing, were demolished at the same time.
In what the Coalition Against Freeway Extension (CAFE) described as "an outrageous act of vandalism", VicRoads contractors began cutting the trees at 6am on August 7. Large numbers of police had begun to blockade the street two hours earlier.
Local residents, woken that morning by chainsaws, were angry at this sneaky ploy. Some 40 residents were successful in saving at least 30 trees. Police dragged away some demonstrators but there were no arrests.
On August 8, 20 members of CAFE organised a demonstration at VicRoads' Carlton office. Branches from the felled trees in Alexandra Parade were deposited in the foyer; VicRoads' officials refused to talk to the group.
CAFE is organising a public meeting on August 23 at 7pm at Fitzroy Town Hall. The meeting will include a discussion on the next stage of the campaign. CAFE meets at 7pm every Tuesday at FOE in Smith St, Collingwood. For more information ring 419 8700.