PPL VIC: East West Link Final Day of Hearing and Our Community Group Submission 6

Dear Protectors of Public Lands Victoria Inc.members and friends

1. Please find attached the closing submission made today by Mr. Tom Pikusa, our legal Counsel, on behalf of Community Groups. It is in word and pdf formats. Today was the final day of the hearing.

2. As you are probably aware, the Royal Park Protection Group Inc and the Protectors of Public Lands Victoria Inc. were instructed by the Victorian Planning Panels Review Committee to undertake opening and closing statements on behalf of those community groups making submissions to the hearing. See the excellent executive summaries of 14 Community groups in addition to RPPG and PPL VIC and of 2 individual submitters.The groups are mainly from the municipalities of Melbourne, Moonee Valley, Moreland and Banyule.

3. See the disturbing new information contained in Land Requirements in Ross Straw Field from 274 to 279.

4. We were aghast to learn today that a large area of the south of Princes Park is right now being been fenced off to permit work to be started on "developing" the area for formal sport. A sign has gone up in Princes Park saying that the Park will be off limits until the end of the year while it is being upgraded to accommodate more clubs " due to the East West Link" (The reference is to clubs who will be dispossessed when the Ross Straw Field in West Parkville is being taken over for the EW Link construction.) It is an outrage that the alienation of Princes Park and work on the East West Link preempts the finding of the Review Committee on the East West Link and the Minister's decision. .

5. Our thanks go to our brilliant legal Counsel Mr. Tom Pikusa. During the course of the 6 week hearing, he not only made the PPL VIC and RPPG presentation but the opening and closing submissions on behalf of the community groups. He attended every day of the hearing and made invaluable contributions to the questioning of expert witnesses in cooperation with Councils' legal teams. The Review Committee Chair made a special point of thanking him (plus his clients ie us!) today. Thanks also to all those opponents of the East West Link who attended the hearing and gave us support in our mission to expose what is undoubtedly the most destructive, costly and backward looking (to the sixties) road project ever to see the light of day in Melbourne.

Regards

Julianne Bell

Secretary Protectors of Public Lands Victoria Inc and

Committee Member Royal Park Protection Group Inc.

PO Box 197

Parkville 3052



Mobile 0408022048

PPL VIC and RPPG: Re Closing Submission on Behalf of Community Groups on EW Link Due 12:30 pm Tuesday 15 April - Closing Day of the Review 6

Dear Group Submitters to EW Link Review

Hello!  Anyone out there in cyber space?

You have a chance to restate your case to the Review Committee Hearing on the East West Link. All you do is send me identifying details -your name, the name of your group,  the number of your submission and then write a brief executive summary in a couple of paragraphs on the key issues of your concern. This might summarise your original submission but you might have some new insights.  I asked for them by 12 noon today Friday so need them ASAP.   Our barrister Tom Pikusa is preparing the closing statement for community groups next Tuesday. See below my explanation. So far I have only received 4 (four) replies.

It is a concern that if groups remain silent LMA might think that you have accepted their arguments for construction of the East West Link!

Regards 

Julianne Bell 

Protectors of Public Lands Victoria Inc. and

Royal Park Protection Group Inc

PO Box 197

Parkville 3052

Mobile: 0408022408   

******

Dear Community Groups  - Submitters to the Victorian Planning Panels Committee Review of the East West Link

As you might be aware the Royal Park Protection Group Inc (RPPG ) and Protectors of Public Lands Victoria Inc.(PPL VIC) engaged Mr. Tom Pikusa  as our barrister for the Victorian Planning Panel hearing by the Review Committee on the Comprehensive Impact Statement re the East West Link project which opened on 3 March 2014 and concludes on Tuesday 15 April 2014.  

We had expected that Mr. Pikusa would only undertake our submission concentrating on the impact of the EW Link on Royal Park and appear at the hearing for us. At the Directions Hearing last February he was given an additional task, however,  by the Chair of the Victorian Planning Panel Review Committee. This was to undertake both opening and closing addresses on behalf of all community groups.

He made the opening address on 3 March 2014. Nine community groups were listed. There were 70 community groups identified from the 1,477 submissions. We managed to contact 57.  The community group closing address is scheduled for 12:30 pm to 12:50 pm on Tuesday 15 April 2014. 

Note that we were not actually consulted or asked by the Victorian Planning Panel Review Committee but instructed to have our barrister take on the role in preparing and delivering these opening and closing addresses. Mr. Pikusa is supported by a solicitor from Beaumont Lawyers. The costs are being met by our Groups. So far the Minister has not offered us even a small grant to assist with expenses.   

Our Groups have agreed that I write to community groups including those who made submissions. I am therefore asking if you want to be included in the closing community group address to be made by Mr. Pikusa next Tuesday. If you could advise me of the name of your organisation,  number of your submission to the Victorian Planning Panels East West Link Review and for advice on the key issues of concern concerning the East West Link you would like raised. Please have your reply to me by 12 noon next Friday 11 April. Please make any enquiries to me on Mobile 0408022408 or this email jbell5@bigpond.com 

See attached the text of Mr. Pikusa's submission made in the Groups' name yesterday at 4 pm to the EW Link Review. I am only including one of the photos  - this one is of the Elliott Avenue interchange. The other files are probably too large. Note that I deleted the details of addresses of people who gave their hearing time to our Groups.

Regards Julianne

Julianne Bell

Secretary Protectors of Public Lands Victoria Inc. &

Committee Member Royal Park Protection Group Inc.

P0 Box 197

Parkville 3052 

PPL VIC and RPPG: Re Closing Submission on Behalf of Community Groups on EW Link Due 12:30 pm Tuesday 15 April - Closing Day of the Review 6

Dear Community Groups  - Submitters to the Victorian Planning Panels Committee Review of the East West Link

 

As you might be aware the Royal Park Protection Group Inc (RPPG ) and Protectors of Public Lands Victoria Inc.(PPL VIC) engaged Mr. Tom Pikusa  as our barrister for the Victorian Planning Panel hearing by the Review Committee on the Comprehensive Impact Statement re the East West Link project which opened on 3 March 2014 and concludes on Tuesday 15 April 2014.  

 

We had expected that Mr. Pikusa would only undertake our submission concentrating on the impact of the EW Link on Royal Park and appear at the hearing for us. At the Directions Hearing last February he was given an additional task, however,  by the Chair of the Victorian Planning Panel Review Committee. This was to undertake both opening and closing addresses on behalf of all community groups.

 

He made the opening address on 3 March 2014. Nine community groups were listed. There were 70 community groups identified from the 1,477 submissions. We managed to contact 57.  The community group closing address is scheduled for 12:30 pm to 12:50 pm on Tuesday 15 April 2014. 

 

Note that we were not actually consulted or asked by the Victorian Planning Panel Review Committee but instructed to have our barrister take on the role in preparing and delivering these opening and closing addresses. Mr. Pikusa is supported by a solicitor from Beaumont Lawyers. The costs are being met by our Groups. So far the Minister has not offered us even a small grant to assist with expenses.   

 

Our Groups have agreed that I write to community groups including those who made submissions. I am therefore asking if you want to be included in the closing community group address to be made by Mr. Pikusa next Tuesday. If you could advise me of the name of your organisation,  number of your submission to the Victorian Planning Panels East West Link Review and for advice on the key issues of concern concerning the East West Link you would like raised. Please have your reply to me by 12 noon next Friday 11 April. Please make any enquiries to me on Mobile 0408022408 or this email jbell5@bigpond.com 

 

See attached the text of Mr. Pikusa's submission made in the Groups' name yesterday at 4 pm to the EW Link Review. I am only including one of the photos  - this one is of the Elliott Avenue interchange. The other files are probably too large. Note that I deleted the details of addresses of people who gave their hearing time to our Groups.

 

Regards Julianne

 

Julianne Bell

Secretary Protectors of Public Lands Victoria Inc. &

Committee Member Royal Park Protection Group Inc.

P0 Box 197

Parkville 3052

PPL VIC: News from the East West Link Battle Front Sunday 12 January 2013 and Future Events

Dear Protectors of Public Lands Victoria Inc members and friends

I ACTION STATIONS 

The latest message from the picket team reads: "ACTION ALERT: Meet at 5:30 am tomorrow morning (Mon January 13 ) on the crn of Alexandra Parade and Brunswick Street Fitzroy for another community picket against EW Link drilling."  (Don't worry if you arrive after this time. Instructions will be left as to drill site picketers are attending if drilling has moved from the crn of Alexandra Parade and Brunswick Street Fitzroy. It looks as though a move will be made to another site. ) Residents heard that there will be drilling on Wellington St., between No one St, and Mater St. this coming week.  

See Sue Jackson's invaluable record of last Thursday 9 January 2014 action: 

http://suejacksonnews.blogspot.com.au/2014/01/media-frenzy-at-todays-tunnel-picket.html 

II DIRECTIONS HEARING ON THE CIS ON EAST-WEST LINK BY PLANNING PANELS VICTORIA TUESDAY 14 JANUARY 2014

As we mentioned.staff of Planning Panels Victoria reported that they are still listing submissions on the website.As at Friday there were 1131 on the website!  

We believe that it is important that submitters wishing to obtain a place at the hearing attend the Directions or Preliminary Hearing on Tuesday 14 January 2014  set by the Assessment Committee of Planning Panels Victoria.  The Hearing will be held at the Mercure Hotel, 13 Spring Street, Melbourne and commences at 10:00 am. The Preliminary Hearing will address procedural and time-tabling matters related to the Public Hearings. Protectors of Public Lands Victoria Inc and the Royal Park Protection Group Inc will be there and it would be great if you could attend to show us support. . 

III OTHER EVENTS 

(1)  Protest at Zoo "Say No to EW Link Next To Zoo"to coincide with start of Twilight Night Concerts Friday 24 January 2014 and ongoing for some weeks.

The Zoo website says: "The Zoo has invited some of the best local and international musical talent to join in the fight against wildlife extinction. Whatever your musical tastes, there's something for everyone at Zoo Twilights, with your favourite artists performing every Friday and Saturday night from 24 January to 8 March 2014. "Now there is a wonderful irony  - the Zoo itself could soon be extinct ie closed down with a 4 lane open cut tolled roadway a mere 40 metres away from its walls. (The EW Link will mean lights, noise, vibration, pollution and destruction of the Zoo's parkland setting not just in the construction phase but when in operation.)  

(2)  Victoria First  - First Public Meeting 2 pm Saturday 1 February 2014 (Venue to be advised -  to be an inner city suburb.) Guest Speaker: Ernest Healy of the Centre for Population and Urban Research, Monash University with the topic "Melbourne – Heading for 'CARmageddon?'” - hear about our population boom and increased car ownership and dependence. (Note that the title is not original but was inspired by the Youtube video "Lies We Don't Buy" on the EW Link. We would give credit but have not discovered the author!See  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bqYElQPnVU0 It was originally the ditty "Dumb Ways To Die" by the Department of Transport but went viral internationally and was adapted in countries around the world eg by a Ukrainian band!)

(3) SLiMS (Students University of Melbourne) Royal Park Festival 1 March 2014. Details to be advised.

Regards

Julianne Bell

Secretary Protectors of Public Lands Victoria Inc and

Committee Member Royal Park Protection Group Inc.

PO Box 197

Parkville VIC 3052

Mobile 0408022408 

News from the East West Link Battle Front - Pickets of Drill Sites in Collingwood Clifton Hill and Fitzroy

Dear Protectors of Public Lands Victoria Inc members and friends

I MEDIA

See accounts of picket action. The geological drilling is at the behest of the companies intending to tender - do you mind! They are turning inner suburb streets both business and residential areas into industrial sites with no notice given. See previous email with list of drill sites proposed for Fitzroy, Collingwood and Clifton Hill but no dates or times.  

http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/eastwest-link-protests-flare-up-again-20140108-30g2l.html "East west link protests flare up again" 8 January The Age


http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/several-injured-as-eastwest-protest-turns-violent-20140109-30k5g.html "Several Injured as east west protest turns violent." 9 January 2014 The Age


Sue Jackson says "thought you might be interested to see this new post from today (ie Thursday 9 January 2014 of picket sites)  Is this really Melbourne?"  
http://suejacksonnews.blogspot.com.au/2014/01/come-to-charlotte-st-collingwood-now.html 

II ACTION ALERT

Message from picket team "ACTION ALERT: Meet at 5:30 am (Friday) Jan 10 on the crn of Alexandra Parade and Brunswick Street Fitzroy for a mass community picket against EW Link drilling."  Don't worry if you arrive after this time. Instructions will be left as to drill site picketers are attending.

III CIS SUBMISSIONS ON THE EAST WEST LINK TO PLANNING PANELS VICTORIA

Staff of Planning Panels Victoria reported that they are still listing submissions on the website. They are now up to 1,080. So if your submission is not listed fear not as it might still being processed. The staff member said to me thanks for spreading the word!

Regards Julianne Bell
Secretary PPL VIC

Mobile 0408022408  

EAST WEST LINK NEWS: East-West test drilling has resumed: Join the community picket from 5.30am tomorrow corner of Alexandra Parade and Brunswick Street Fitzroy

Dear Protectors of Public Lands Victoria Inc. members and friends

This is a request to attend the picket site tomorrow morning on the medium strip of Alexandra Parade near the corner of Brunswick Street Fitzroy. You do not have to be on the picket just stand with a placard or sign on the footpath opposite to show support for the picket team. You can arrive a bit later than 5:30 am if you choose!
Opposition is growing in the community to the East West Link so show the Government  that we want the EW Link put to the people as an election issue in November 2014 not fast tracked through before hand. You can catch a tram down Brunswick Street. There is some parking on the south side of Alexandra Parade before you get to Brunswick Street or try the Officeworks carpark on Alexandra Parade just after Smith Street.  (You could park there for a short time during their trading hours and maybe buy something useful from the store!)

I am putting this on record that Mr. Bruno Aleksic Planning Director of Linking Melbourne Authority has advised that there will be no drilling in the immediate future in Royal or Princes Park or the Cemetery. But please keep a look out.

Regards

Julianne Bell
Secretary Protectors of Public Lands Victorian Inc.
PO Box 197
Parkville 3052

Mobile: 0408022408

East West Link

Dear Protectors of Public Lands Victoria Inc. members and friends

Best wishes to all our compatriots for a victorious New Year in 2014 in the battle over the East West Link.

I  Has EW Link Drilling Killed Melbourne's Famous Lemon Scented Gums in Carlton?

The two Corymbia Citriodora (Lemon-Scented Gum) on the roundabout at north end of Swanston Street across from the Cemetery  are looking very sick and the question arises - have they been affected by the drilling on the roundabout which was right on the tree protection zone (the "drip line")?  See the attached photo taken of our snap protest on 27 July 2012. See how close the drilling rig is to the trees.

The trees are on the Significant Tree Register of the National Trust as they are "in a unique location ...and so provide a contribution to the landscape..." While there is no information on when the two trees were planted or by whom it is thought they may have been planted "on the instructions of Walter Burley Griffin after the completion of Newman College. (He was the architect of this University of Melbourne College opposite the roundabout) There are several Lemon-Scented Gums in the College grounds and it is known that he particularly liked these trees."

II Protests Over EW Link and the Loss of Parkland and Axing of 5200 Trees in Royal and Princes Parks

Thanks to activists drawn from different groups including those from the City of Moreland since the beginning of November 2013 we have had snap actions putting up protest placards on the avenues of trees along Macarthur Road and Elliott Avenue through Royal Park and in front of the Zoo on Derby Day 2 November 2013; on Cup Day 5 November 2013 and on Boxing Day 26 December 2013. (All these trees will be axed and the park concreted over.) Then we put up signs along the elms in the Royal Parade central medium strip on Box Day 2013 then in Princes Park on New Year's Day. The idea was to catch heavy holiday and event traffic. There were a few adverse comments but  lots of toots of approval. 

The City of Melbourne instructs staff to tear the posters down as "the staples are damaging the trees"!  The posters read: "Say No to EW Link Next To Zoo"; "Stop Trashing Melbourne" and "Say No to $8billion EW Link."   See photos of placards on eucalypts and a Canary Island Palm in Elliott Avenue and Macarthur Road. See Lorikeets in habitat - sugar gum to be axed for EW Link. Note that a number of people have recorded the action on UTube but I have not included the links  as they name individuals. Better not to have records of names.

See http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BYYEoGKmb8Y BUGA UP (Billboard Utilising Graffitists Against Unhealthy Promotions) recalling their campaign against advertising cigarettes.  If anyone is inspired by BUGA UP for action over the EW Link advertising let us know! 

III East West Link Drilling in City of Yarra 

See link to City of Yarra website:. http://www.yarracity.vic.gov.au/hot-topics/new-bore-hole-test-sites-named-for-east-west-link/  

It is expected that the drilling might start tomorrow Monday but the Linking Melbourne Authority might not advise residents and businesses in Fitzroy and Collingwood in an attempt to keep protestors and picketers at bay. Good luck to the "serial pests" if you chose to appear at the drill sites.  

It is not known if any more drilling will be scheduled for the City of Melbourne. We have asked to be advised immediately especially re Royal and Princes Park plus the Cemetery.

IV Port of Melbourne Objects to Plan for EW Link 

http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/port-of-melbourne-calls-for-changes-to-eastwest-link-plans-20140102-307zp.html Port of Melbourne calls for changes to east west Link plans 3 January 2014 This article reveals that the whole project is being planned on the run!

V Loss of New Seeing Eye Dog Centre Kensington with EW Link .

Media reports suggest that Linking Melbourne Authority did not know that this centre would be in the way of the aerial EW Link roadway to the Port. http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/eastwest-link-might-force-seeing-eye-dogs-new-kennels-to-close-20131230-3035r.html

See David Muir's touching film "Save West Bank" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vb-8xznV0sc  This is on the threat to Kensington and the Moonee Ponds Creek from the East West Link. It shows the Seeing Eye Dog Centre. And this film was made in September 2013! We knew about it months ago More proof that the EW Link is being planned on the run.  

Regards Julianne

Julianne Bell Secretary Protectors of Public Lands Victoria Inc. 

PO Box 197 Parkville 3052 

Mobile: 0408022408.

East West Link

Dear Protectors of Public Lands Victoria Inc. members and friends 

Here is the State Government spiel which reads that it has "appointed an assessment committee under Sections 35 and 235 of the Major Transport Projects Facilitation Act 2009 to assess the Comprehensive Impact Statement for the East West Link (Eastern Section) Project and to make recommendations to the Minister for Planning whether or not to grant any applicable approval required for the project to be developed and if so to recommend appropriate conditions for applicable approvals." Public submissions are being called for on the Comprehensive Impact Statement and have to be in keeping with the Government's "scoping directions". The closing date is C.O.B 12 December 2013.  

In order to help you make sense of this process and to avoid your having to digest mountains of literature, we are sending you a template statement on the Comprehensive Impact Statement which you can simply sign and send off or develop as you see fit. You might want to add some additional comments. Be sure to fill out the Cover Sheet. You can send your submission by email or by snail mail.  Many thanks to staff in the Office of Greens Federal Member for Melbourne Adam Bandt who developed the statement. (We added to some sections.)  

While many regard the "consultation" process over the East West Link as a sham, we consider that it is imperative that Victorians deluge the State Government with objections to the East West Link in the form of submissions to this enquiry. In 2008 over 2,600 people make submissions to the Eddington Review on the then Government's proposal for Mark I of the East West Link. (Many submissions were on proforma.) As you may know the East West Link was "deleted" from the Brumby Government's 2008 Transport Plan.We were told that "people power" was a factor in the decision. 

More bad news re the East West Link. We have confirmation that a 700 metre section across Royal Park will be open cut (and cover later - if ever); that the excavated spoil will be trucked out of Royal Park to fill up quarry sites in Keilor; and that CityLink will be widened on the west side taking out parklands, gardens, sports fields and a playground in the municipality of Moonee Valley.

We urge you not only to make a submission but if you belong to a group, please send on this request to your members.  

Regards 

Julianne Bell

Secretary

Protectors of Public Lands Victoria Inc.

PO Box 197

Parkville 3052

Mobile: 0408022408  :       

Please contact Julianne Bell for the templates mentioned in this post - unfortunately Newlands Community News don't have the facility to upload links to word documents without using a third party - thanks Janet