Right and above right: Casey locals express their anger about the Port of Hastings proposal on the steps of State Parliament with a symbolic coffin representing the death of Western Port.By Sarah Schwager
RESIDENTS took their outrage about the Port of Hastings development plan to the steps of Parliament on Tuesday.
More than 60 protestors marched from Flinders Street Station to Parliament in a mock funeral procession symbolising the death of Western Port.
The protest was organised by the Western Port Action Group (WAG) in response to the Port of Hastings Land Use and Transport Strategy draft, and residents’ anger at the lack of public consultation.
Submissions to the proposal were due yesterday (Wednesday), with residents hoping their message had been absorbed by the Port of Hastings Corporation (PoHC) and the State Government.
WAG president Mary Madigan said the group still believed many locals were unaware of plans to dredge Western Port and to run a freight rail link from the city through Cranbourne to the port.
“We believe letters that were to be sent to residents on the proposed rail/road options have not been sent,” she said.
“We are also very disturbed that the consultation draft is only in English, effectively excluding many non-English-speaking residents that could well have their homes on the massive compulsory land acquisition overlays.”
Hampton Park resident Lynette Keleher said she was pleased the protest had received some coverage, but many people had been at work therefore unable to attend.
Last week Casey Council criticised the PoHC on its failure to inform residents of the proposal.
At last week’s council meeting, mayor Colin Butler said it was evident the PoHC needed to be directed to actively send letters to those affected by its port expansion plan and freight rail link.
Residents are still hoping they will receive an extension for submissions.
For more information on the proposal see -www.westernportactiongroup.com or call WAG on 0425 867 079.
