Protectors of Public Land Vic

Rapid population growth has impacted heavily on private and public open space in Melbourne, especially over the last decade. Clifford will discuss some individual case studies and his Private Members' Bill to reintroduce local democracy into Victoria's planning law. Hear him at the Protectors of Public Lands AGM Saturday October 26th, 2019, 2.30pm. Flemington Community Centre, 25 Mt. Alexander Road, Flemington. All welcome!

Protectors of Public Lands, Victoria Inc.
Annual General Meeting
Flemington Community Centre,
25 Mt. Alexander Road, Flemington 3031.

Saturday October 26th, 2019 at 2.30pm

With Guest Speaker, the Hon. Clifford Hayes MP

"Protecting Open Space in 21st Century Melbourne."

Rapid population growth has impacted heavily on private and public open space in Melbourne, especially over the last decade. Clifford will discuss some individual case studies and his Private Members' Bill to reintroduce local democracy into Victoria's planning law.

Please join us for afternoon tea after the meeting!

Contact: Jill Quirk 0409742927

Protectors of Public Lands Victoria Inc. Annual General Meeting, Saturday 18 April 2015 Flemington Community Centre. 2:15 pm Saturday 18 April 2015 Flemington Community Centre, 25 Mt Alexander Road, Flemington. On Debneys Park. Speaker Kelvin Thomson MP, population campaigner and Victoria First president will speak on Intergenerational Equity: How we are failing future generations.

Transport: Tram along Flemington Road and Mt. Alexander Road; Train station - Upfield line - nearby; Capital City Trail  for cyclists next to Centre; carparking at front door of Centre. Melways 29 B12  

Protectors of Public Lands Victoria has issued an invitation to concerned Victorians to attend a short but concentrated rally scheduled for 12:45 pm for a 1 pm start to 2 pm on Thursday 16 October 2014 on the steps of Parliament in Spring Street.

The last day of the term of the 57th Victorian Parliament has been chosen before the 29 November 2014 election. The subject is "The Future of Public Transport in Victoria under an Incoming Government." We are of the view that the East West Link project should be abandoned.

Below is our "Charter on Public Transport" which includes our demands. (The President of the PTUA has cleared it.)

Labor and Greens Members of Parliament will speak, also the Mayors of Yarra and Moreland and the President of the Public Transport Users' Association. Representatives of community groups will be invited to speak on open mike. Please attend this rally - we need your support at this crucial time in the State's history!

Contact Julianne Bell Secretary PPL VIC Mobile: 0408022408 jbell5[AT]bigpond.com

Protectors of Public Lands Victoria Inc. (PPL VIC)

CHARTER ON PUBLIC TRANSPORT FOR INCOMING VICTORIAN STATE GOVERNMENT

Presentation of Charter on Public Transport for Incoming Government at Rally 16 October 2014
This Charter on Public Transport for the incoming Government will be presented to the public and to present Government and Opposition parties at a rally scheduled for Thursday 16 October 2014 on the steps of Parliament at 12:45 pm for a 1 pm start. The rally has been timed for the last day of the term of the 57 th Victorian Parliament before we head for the 29 November 2014 election. (We are circulating this document beforehand.)
Overview/ Context of Production of a Charter on Public Transport
According to Plan Melbourne Metropolitan Planning Strategy May 2014, which “sets out the government’s vision that will guide the city’s growth to 2050”, public transport should play a much greater role in future than it has in the past, with reliance on public transport needing to increase (i.e. a greater proportion of all trips will need to be taken by public transport). (Plan Melbourne, p. 84)
In spite of this telling observation in Plan Melbourne, Melbourne is at crisis point because of the failure of successive governments to provide for integrated transport and land-use planning.
Charter Requirements to be fulfilled by an incoming government:
1. Extension of heavy rail services to areas currently un-serviced or under-serviced, including Doncaster, Melbourne Airport, Rowville, Mernda and Clyde.
2. Abandonment of the Napthine Government's discredited East-West Link project.
3. Dedicated funding for public transport on a priority basis by the Victorian and Commonwealth governments, not just "what is left over" after commitments to roads projects.
4. The progressive grade separation of 50 level crossings to facilitate higher frequency services on the heavy rail network.
5. The introduction of high capacity signalling as a priority on the whole heavy rail network to improve rail services productivity by up to 50%.
6. Higher frequency train, tram and bus services to be timetabled to connect with minimum waiting times.
7. Expansion of bus services, especially in Melbourne’s outer suburbs, to improve local economic performance, enhance employment and social connectedness.
8. More effective demand management of the road network by state and local roads authorities, including walking to school programs that work and expanded cycling networks.
9. In the west of Melbourne, an effective roll-out of the Regional Rail Link in April 2015 with high frequency connecting buses at the new Wyndham Vale and Tarneit Stations and additional connecting buses for the Werribee line and major transport destinations in the cities of Wyndham, Maribyrnong, Brimbank and Hobsons Bay.
10. The early introduction of truck ramps on the Westgate Bridge to facilitate access to the Port of Melbourne and the enhanced use of rail for container movements between the Port of Melbourne and freight terminals.
11. A start on the Melbourne Metro Rail project on the alignment proposed by the previous Labor Government, serving locations in the CBD and in the Parkville medical and university precincts. (The Napthine Government’s recent plans for an alignment designed to serve the Fisherman's Bend development has not been subjected to the necessary scrutiny.)
12. Elimination of tax concessions for private passenger motor vehicle use which are a major cause of road congestion.
13. The establishment of an independent and effective public transport agency to prioritise, plan, fund and deliver all public transport services, thereby maximising the social and economic return to the Victorian community from investments in public transport infrastructure.
14. Guaranteed provision of properly maintained public toilets at railway stations meeting health and safety regulations and designed to improve the amenity of travellers.
15. An end to government secrecy in the provision of transport services, including the non-transparent contractual arrangements for the provision of train, tram and bus services, which are not able to be properly scrutinised and assessed because of the "commercial confidentiality" hoax; the opaque funding and provision of major roadways, for example CityLink, EastLink and PeninsulaLink; and the unacceptable constraints imposed upon the Auditor-General in discharging his responsibilities to report to the Parliament on transport contracts.

Signed:
Julianne Bell, Secretary, Protectors of Public Lands Victoria. Mobile: 0408022408. jbell5[AT]bigpond.com
Ian Hundley, Advisor to PPL VIC on Public Transport. ianhundley[AT]hotmail.com

Julianne Bell of Protectors of Public Land Victoria will be the speaker at a meeting of concerned citizens "Protecting Heritage and Public Interest in Banyule," Sunday July 6th, 2.00pm for 2.30pm, Seddon St. Community Centre, Ivanhoe. Ivanhoe Civic Precinct Master Plan includes demolition of the current library and privatisation of three lots of civic land. You can attend the meeting and be listed to speak at the start of the meeting.

Ivanhoe Civic Precinct Master Plan includes demolition of the current, iconic, ‘mid-century modernist’ design Library and privatisation of three lots of civic land!
Two of the sites are adjacent to the Civic Precinct. i.e. (1), a well landscaped CAR PARK - west of Upper Heidelberg Rd and off Ivanhoe Parade (west) and (2), Lot 14, Ivanhoe Parade (west) – including both the Ivanhoe Senior Citizens Hall and the Arts Community Space buildings and (3), residential development within the Civic Precinct site.

Currently all three are council/ rate payer-owned land!

What you can do:

You can attend the Banyule Council Meeting Monday July 7th - 7pm for 7.30pm

And be listed to speak at the start of the meeting,

and/or write -

To All Councillors, the CEO, and relevant officers - PO Box 51, Ivanhoe 3079/ [email protected]

You can be added to Councils email list to be updated by contacting Ben Smith 9490 4222: [email protected]

Also see http://www.fairyhillsivanhoe.com

And attend the meeting:
"Protecting Heritage and Public Interest in Banyule"
Sunday July 6th
2.00pm for 2.30pm
Seddon St. Community Centre, Ivanhoe

Our speaker is

Julianne Bell “Protectors of Public Land”

Everyone welcome / Gold coin donation

More Information 0427 949 951/ 0411 154 914

Join us to discuss these important issues of our time.
The first part of the meeting will cover the Proposed Plan for the CIVIC PRECINCT and actions people can take regarding the Plan; the second part will cover the Proposed Council Lease of CHELSWORTH PARK to a private school for 30 years

Extra information:
http://www.banyule.vic.gov.au/Services/Parks-and-Facilities/Ivanhoe-Senior-Citizens-Hall

http://www.banyule.vic.gov.au/Services/Parks-and-Facilities/Hatch-Contemporary-Arts

http://planningschemes.dpcd.vic.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0015/160053/banyule14ho.pdf

(Lot No’s and Heritage Overlays in Ivanhoe Parade and the Civic Precinct area of the Ivanhoe Shopping Centre)
http://www.fairyhillsivanhoe.com/

#A9F5D0;line-height:120%;">Congratulations to all who organised, prepared, worked for and took part in the rally yesterday Saturday 28 June . It was a monumental task and a great celebration of community spirit. What was so impressive was the amazing diversity of groups and spread of ages of marchers and participants.

One leader of a community group who has been to lots of protests speaks for many when she commented yesterday after the march in an email:

"That surely was a great rally today in Melbourne, I was in awe during the march from State Library along Swanston St. It was conducted so very well with police on their horses beautifully standing to attention outside Flinders Street station while the speeches continued. Was this really democracy in action?? And how about the beaut little middle-aged lady in a red jacket holding up high a very large poster with a simple six-word message which read STICK YOUR TUNNEL UP YOUR FUNNEL !" Also the writer said: " I have never been to a rally as large, powerful and widely representative. All credit to the organisers and speakers too!

"

See the Gallery of Photos (9 in all) in the Age: http://www.theage.com.au/photogallery/national/east-west-link-tunnel-protest-20140628-3b0h9.html This is entitled "East West Link protestors marching through Swanston Street in Melbourne on Saturday 28 June 2014. Photos by Luis Ascui." Note on Page 2 of the Age the photograph of the sign held by a resident of Travancore "5200 trees Axed for EW Link - Say No Way!" (This is referring of course to Royal Park.)

The photos illustrating this article were taken by Jill Quirk. They are of the banner with the iconic message "Trains not Toll Roads" (with the Royal Park banner in the background) and of the children of the Save The Zoo contingent, dressed as Zoo animals gathered outside the State Library waiting for the rally to commence. I would particularly like to thank the Moreland Community Against the East-West Tunnel (MCAT) and their Save The Zoo Children's group. Also Rod Quantock our PPL VIC President who did a Pied Piper act and led the children and Royal Park groups at the front of the march. I understand that Channel 2 and 9 covered the rally but have not yet seen the record.

Julianne Bell
Protectors of Public Lands Victoria (Inc.)

#C1FFC1;line-height:120%;">Tomorrow, Saturday 28 June 2014, thousands are expected to pour onto the streets to take a final stand against the monstrous $14 billion East West Link (EW Link) project about to be foisted on the long suffering people of Victoria by - in our view - the incompetent and increasingly unpopular Napthine Government. Demands of the rally are: scrap the E W Link Toll Road; rip up the contracts if/when signed; and invest in public transport.

Additionally the call has gone out for the Coalition to make the EW Link an election issue and to resist signing contracts before “the people” have spoken. Protestors will rally outside The State Library at the corner of Swanston and Latrobe Streets by 1 pm tomorrow, hear speeches and then march to Flinders Street Station.

Julianne Bell PPL VIC Secretary comments:

“Many of our allied groups will be forming one contingent to march together to draw attention to the looming threat to Royal Park and the many inner city parks along the route of the E W Link and City Link. We expect that a legion of children together with parents and grandparents who are concerned over the impact of the EW Link on the Zoo in Royal Park be marching alongside the parks groups. This project will, if it proceeds, cut an enormous swathe through Royal Park.

The City of Melbourne has estimated that, in this park alone, 5,200 trees will be axed for this project. These include 100 year old River Red Gums and the line of Moreton Bay Fig Trees in Macarthur Road planted by the famous Baron Ferdinand Von Mueller in early colonial days. We regard construction of the E W Link through Royal Park as an act of
gross environmental vandalism by the Napthine Government. Would the Mayor of London permit Hyde Park to be treated as free land to accommodate a new road through the city?

Rod Quantock President of PPL VIC points to the destruction of heritage suburbs from Collingwood through to Kensington along the route of the EW Link. He says:

“Not only will whole streets in Collingwood, West Parkville and Clifton Hill, where some families have lived for generations, be demolished but contractors plan to work on the excavation of the tunnel and construction of giant interchanges 24 hours round the clock. This will mean that huge areas of Melbourne will be rendered uninhabitable for years with the dust, noise, vibration and obtrusive lights and difficulty of access to some streets. All these advance plans have been made even though the Minister for Planning has not yet made his pronouncement about the findings of the 6 week long enquiry into the EW Link and advised whether the project has been approved.”

Numbers attending the protest tomorrow in the face of wild weather conditions will be an indication of the strength of public opposition to what is regarded as the most expensive and environmentally damaging infrastructure project ever proposed in Victorian history.

Contact: Julianne Bell Secretary Protectors of Public Lands Victoria Mobile: 0408022408

Source: Protectors of Public Lands Victoria Inc. (PPL VIC) 27 June 2014

In spring this year Protectors of Public Lands Victoria Inc. commissioned David Tatnall, the renowned Australian wilderness landscape photographer, to undertake a record of Royal Park before construction starts on the proposed East West Link Toll Road. David has called his project ‘The Last Summer.’ [At the end of this article, see also actions you can join to save Royal Park and the Zoo.]

He explains:

“Royal Park is the only bushland park in the City of Melbourne - 170 hectares in size, just three kilometres from the GPO. Royal Park is public land and belongs to all Victorians. ‘The Last Summer’ project is a series of large format photographs made of Royal Park, in the summer of 2013 - 2014. Threatened by the massive East - West road project - this could be the last summer for Royal Park.”

See his photos on the website http://www.thelastsummer.org/ (Click on the headings “Colour” and “Black and White” then on numbers to get access to the photo galleries.) David said that he will add new photographs to this website regularly during 2014.

Bob Brown, former Greens Leader and celebrated environmentalist, told David this week on viewing the photos:

“"Your photographs do Royal Park proud. It is a very fine exhibition and beautifully presents the calm of this city haven which is about to be shattered by a storm of tunnel cement and re-directed traffic."

“

Julianne Bell PPL VIC Secretary comments:

“ “The East West Link will, if it proceeds, cut an enormous swathe through Royal Park. The City of Melbourne has estimated that 5,200 trees will be axed for this project, including those shown in David’s photos. These include 100 year old River Red Gums and the line of Moreton Bay Fig Trees in Macarthur Road planted by the famous Baron Ferdinand Von Mueller, as Government Botanist, in the days of Governor Charles La Trobe. We regard construction of the East West Link through Royal Park as an act of gross environmental vandalism by the Napthine Government. We thank David for his unique landscape photographs of Royal Park which form an historic record for future generations of our disappearing parklands.”

“

David Tatnall’s ‘The Last Summer’ exhibition will be shown at “fortyfivedownstairs” gallery in Melbourne from 11 to 22 March 2014.

Join the action to save Royal Park and the zoo

Protesters are pamphleting all the hundreds of Zoo visitors coming OUT of the Zoo at 5 pm.(The Zoo closes to prepare for the Twilight Concert) Then they pamphlet the hundreds if not thousands of people going IN to the Zoo for the Zoo Twilight Concert between about 5 pm to 7 pm. The Concert starts at 7 pm. There is a huge audience for these flyers. Posters about what the East West Link will do are also visible to people standing in the queue for the Concert. If you would like to join this action, contact jbell5[AT]bigpond - or phone/text - Mobile: 0408022408

#F8E0E6;line-height:120%;">Chair of the Plan Melbourne Committee, Professor Roz Hansen, has been quoted saying that the government is spending $6 billion to $8 billion on a road solution that belongs in the 1960s or 1970s and that ‘it is not smart, innovative or progressive thinking’. She is thus now in step with majority opinion among Melbourne's community groups. Attendance at the protest today was representitive of the broader community, comprising many members of important community groups, plus the Greens, Opposition politicians, and local government figures. Julianne Bell of Protectors of Public Lands Vic, has been battling to protect one of Melbourne's most important public parks, Royal Park, since 1996, in particuar from the regularly recurring attempts of successive Victorian governments to build the East West Link which would destroy what remains of Royal Park. This is an affront to democracy and would be the theft of one of Mebourne's greatest assets.

High Noon for Napthine

The event took place today on Melbourne's Parliament House steps at 12 noon. Master of ceremonies, Rod Quantock introduced the main speakers - Jackie Fristacky, Mayor of Yarra, Jan Chantry, Mayor of Moonee Ponds, Tony Morton, president Public Transport Users' Association, Richard Foster, Melbourne City councillor, Greg Barber, Leader , Greens Party Victoria MP, Richard Wynne Shadow Minister for Public Transport , Brian Tee, Shadow Minister for Planning , Joe Edwards,West Parkville resident, Keith Fitzgerald, Collingwood resident. Members of community groups announced future events regarding the East West Link campaign.

Motion carried and taken to Parliament House

The following resolution, addressed to the Premier of Victoria Denis Napthine:

"That this rally wishes to convey to you our total opposition to the East West Link Toll Road project and our support for funding instead of desperately needed public transport projects namely - the Melbourne Metro and the Doncaster, Rowville, and Airport Rail Lines" moved by Julianne Bell and seconded by Rod Quantock was carried unanimously and the message was relayed to staff at Parliament House.

Stop the Tunnel - Snap protest at Parliament

Thursday 12 December is a significant day in the ongoing battle over the East West Link Toll Road for Protectors of Public Lands Victoria Inc (PPL VIC) to host the snap protest. It is the last day of the sitting of Parliament before it goes into recess and is our last chance to point out again to the Government the folly of proceeding with the project which will signify damage to the environment, reduction of Royal Park to Ground Zero, heritage desecration, destruction of residential amenity and reckless expenditure of $8b on a mammoth roads project - the biggest in Victorian history. In addition it is D-Day for public submissions on the Comprehensive Impact Statement on the East West Link.

The protest kicked off at 12:15 pm on the steps of Parliament and heard from Members of Parliament (ALP and Greens), the Mayors of the Cities of Yarra and Moonee Valley and a number of Councillors plus of course the resident, protest and community groups who have led the great tide of opposition to the East West Link and have been advocating for public transport, notably the Doncaster Rail Link. The Public Transport Users’ Association spoke on their latest campaign “Public Transport not Traffic.”

Julianne Bell

Julianne Bell, the Secretary of PPL VIC commented as follows:

“News today reports that the Government’s own advisory Committee on “Plan Melbourne”, the new blue print for the city for 40 years, has resigned after having denounced the East West Road Link.

The Chair of the Committee Professor Roz Hansen is quoted in the media as saying that government was spending $6 billion to $8 billion on a road solution that belonged in the 1960s or 1970s and that ‘it is not smart, innovative or progressive thinking’.

A large group of representatives of community organisations were at the City of Melbourne meeting on Tuesday night and actually heard her full, electrifying speech. This is reflective of the lack of confidence in the East- West Link project being expressed right across Melbourne. ”

Public left in the dark to make submissions

The community is having difficulty trying to write submissions on the C.I.S of the East West Link as, to date, planning for the project appears to have been undertaken on the run so the community does not know its full impact and information has only been released by slow drip. The Linking Melbourne Authority even added another off ramp – the Ormond Road off ramp – just 2 weeks ago which will affect residences in Ascot Vale and overshadow Essendon Community Gardens.

No mandate, no democracy

Community groups continue to point out that the Napthine Government has no mandate for this tollway as the Liberal Government went to the last election on a public transport platform, including promises to build the Doncaster Rail. The rally will present Premier Napthine with resolutions from the meeting which will undoubtedly include the demand “Stop The Tunnel” and “Trains Not Toll Roads”.

See update and details at http://candobetter.net/?q=node/3591Community groups have received the news of an apparent backflip on East West link. Is there some democracy left in Melbourne after all? REMINDER - NO TUNNEL Snap Protest at 12 noon for a 12:15 pm start TODAY Thursday 12 December 2013 on the steps of Parliament!

(1) State Planning Committee on "Plan Melbourne" Resigns Over East West Link

PPL VIC and other community group representatives were stunned to hear Ms Roz Hansen's denunciation of the East West Link at the Future Melbourne (Transport) Committee Meeting on the City of Melbourne's submission on the Comprehensive Impact Statement on the East West Link on Tuesday night. The Lord Mayor seemed taken aback. After the meeting I asked Ms Hansen for the speech and she said that it should be on Council records but to get back to her if it was not available. I am determined to obtain it as is an excellent statement.

(2) Kelvin Thomson's Speech in Federal Parliament on the East West Link on 10 December 2013

Please see Kelvin’s speech delivered to the Parliament last night on the East West Link. Please feel free to distribute it through your networks.

Kelvin Thomson Parliamentary speech on East West Link 11 December 2013

(3) REMINDER - NO TUNNEL Snap Protest at 12 noon for a 12:15 pm start TODAY Thursday next 12 December 2013 on the steps of Parliament!

Please send an apology if you can't attend and also messages of support if a representative of your group cannot attend. See you there!

Source: Julianne Bell Protectors of Public Lands VIC Inc.

#E0FFE0;line-height:120%;">This article is sourced from Protectors of Public Land Victoria. It is about the need to make submissions on East West Link at this point in process. Whilst she acknowledges the public lack of confidence in the process, Julianne Bell of the grass-roots but heavy hitting Protectors of Public Land Vic Inc. argues that making submissions is still important. She has supplied templates here to help submitters avoid the absurdity of reading hundreds of pages before submitting. Find at the end of the article: PPL VIC: East West Link (1) Template Statement to Assist Making Submissions on the Comprehensive Impact Statement on the East West Link (2) Cover Sheet to Accompany Submission 4.

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.

Download the templates here (word docs):

- Submission to Comprehensive Impact Statement on the East West Link November 2013(1).doc
- East-West-Link-Submission-Coversheet-301013.doc

Regards

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

NOTES

Thanks to Bernard Flinn for the Video giving graphic information on the proposed development.

#F7FE2E;line-height:120%;">The East-West Link (EW Link) Preliminary Assessment by Geoff Lawler, Director of City Planning and Infrastructure, spells out in graphic terms to Council the wide scale damage to Royal Park likely from the EW Link. It is, therefore, difficult to understand why the City of Melbourne Mayor and Councillors have not apprehended the significance of this report and voted to publically oppose the destruction of the City by the East West Link. Submission from Protectors of Public Lands Victoria Inc. (PPL VIC)

When a vote was taken recently on whether approval would be given for the exploratory drilling in Royal Park, Councillor Stephen Mayne voted for it to proceed saying that there was time for a decision to be made in the future concerning the dangers of the EW Link. Hence Councillors voted for the drilling – and the project – to proceed. (6 to 5.) DDAY has arrived and the City of Melbourne must now take a stand against the EW Link. It is disappointing that the City of Melbourne has not taken a stand earlier whereas the following municipalities have voted to say “no” to the East West Link: Darebin, Glen Eira, Moonee Valley, Moreland and Yarra.
.
Our organisation prepared a list of reasons why the City of Melbourne should say “no” to the East West Link and “yes” to public transport in particular rail to Doncaster and the airport.

No Satisfactory Business Case for East West Link: The previous Federal Government refused to provide funding to the State Government due to the flimsy case presented. Questions are being raised as to how the project attract funds without a satisfactory business case being made.

No Funds for Key Public Transport Rail Projects: The East West Link may cost $10 billion plus and so suck Treasury dry of funds for long-demanded rail projects, namely Doncaster, Tullamarine, Rowville and extension of the South Morang Rail line. Also Melbourne Metro Rail.

No Satisfactory Traffic Modelling: It has been established recently that VicRoads traffic statistics have not been used to justify predicted traffic increases but a private consultant employed by the State Government. Suspect figures have been provided.

Not in City of Melbourne 2008 Transport Strategy or MSS The project runs contrary to the Council’s own 2998 Transport Strategy and the transport objectives of the Melbourne Municipal Strategy recently signed off by Planning Minister Matthew Guy.

Blowout in Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Increased Car Use Encouraged: The proposed project involves construction of 4 lane tollway concrete road tunnels and aerial roadways or cut-and cover-roadways for 18 km., which will blow out Victoria’s green house emissions. Provision of new roads will encourage increased vehicle usage, whereas in other States rail lines are being extended for commuters and for freight transport.

East West Link = Truck Not Commuter Route: The road tunnels are first and foremost a city by-pass for trucks and therefore do not serve commuters. The EW Link is reportedly going underground at Hoddle Street and, with one turnoff/on at Elliott Avenue to Flemington Road, emerges in Royal Park, travels through the Ross Straw Field and joins CityLink in or over the Royal Park wetlands. A later addition is the aerial roadway from Racecourse Road to the Port. As most traffic off the Eastern Freeway is headed south or north - including for the city – not east-west, the road tunnels do not serve the majority of commuters off the Eastern Freeway.

Planning on the Run: No proper plans have been produced only dotted lines on aerial maps and Mickey-Mouse animated videos. The State Government has demanded that the Eastern Section of the EW Link be expedited. By contrast three years were spent planning Westlink when it was a stand alone project. It is now the western end of the EW Link. Turn offs at Elliott Avenue in Royal Park and at Arden and Macaulay Street Kensington have been added only recently to the EW Link.

Congestion Will Remain: The current congestion and gridlock experienced in parts of the city will worsen as city commuters avoid the road tollway and turn off at Hoddle Street, Clifton Hill, turn off at Elliott Avenue for the Flemington Road to the city; and filter through the inner city or continue on existing roads above ground. Congestion on CityLink is predicted at the junction with EW Link over the Royal Park wetlands.

Destruction of Melbourne’s Major Park - Royal Park and the Moonee Ponds Creek: The EW Link will cut a swathe through Royal Park and in the process of tunnel or roadway construction over four to five years it will be transformed into giant quarry sites and its bushland (used for passive recreation), sports fields, community facilities, wetlands and water storage tanks ripped up by the EW Link construction. The remnant bushland in West Royal Park is the only area of this kind of vegetation left in Melbourne. An aerial roadway to the Port is now planned over the Moonee Ponds Creek.

Destruction of Wetlands and Water Storage Facilities: The Royal Park Wetlands which supplies water for Melbourne’s parks and street trees plus the Royal Park Golf course will be completely destroyed, including the vast water storage tanks under the Ross Straw field.

Loss of sports fields and club rooms: The sports fields in west and east Royal Park plus Princes Park which serve thousands of people - school children as well as adults – from across Melbourne will be requisitioned for construction for the tollway and probably never restored. This is at a time the population is growing rapidly and sports facilities are already in short supply. This will have a negative impact on people’s health. Will areas of parkland used for passive recreation be converted now for sports fields?

Loss of the State Netball and Hockey Centre plus Urban Camp for Children: The 4 lane EW Link will come within metres of the SNHC and will wipe out the Urban Camp. Two giant vent stacks will we positioned on the escarpment over the railway line not far from the SNHC. Brens Drive will be closed off during construction which will take 4 to 5 years. It is doubtful if the SNHC can survive despite assurances from Linking Melbourne Authority that access won’t be blocked. (Will another road be built through parkland?)

Compulsory Acquisition of Homes and Loss of Residential Amenity: Whole neighbourhoods will be severely affected by construction of road tunnels and elevated roadways on the route. We know that properties will be subject to compulsory acquisitions in Collingwood, Nth Melbourne, Clifton Hill, Kensington, West Parkville and Ascot Vale, plus the threat to residential amenity.

Threat to the Melbourne Zoo and the Royal Children’s Hospital: These institutions are threatened not only during 4 to 5 years of construction with vibration and noise but from long term pollution from vent stacks and obtrusive lighting. . It is not known whether the EW Link will be open “cut-and-cover” through Royal Park. The Elliott Avenue on/off ramps for the roads to/from Flemington Road are near the Zoo wall and is expected to harm the captive animals. The EW Link will be only a short distance - some 300 metres away - from the Royal Children’s Hospital. In their wisdom City of Melbourne staff members have extended the children’s discovery playground into the grass lands area of Royal Park. It will, therefore, will be extremely close to the E W Link as well as next to the helipad.

Yours sincerely

Julianne Bell
Secretary Protectors of Public Lands Victoria Inc.

#CEF6CE;line-height:120%;">Community Rally! Say 'No' to the East-West Tunnel! Say 'Yes' to Public Transport! 11am Sunday October 13, Corner Brunswick St & Westgarth St, Fitzroy.
- Say no to the $8b government handout to private road companies and yes to real investment in the expansion and improvement
- Save hundreds of local residents homes from demolition or damage
- Save Royal Park for future generations & protect the Moonie Valley Creek
- Protect the Royal Melbourne Zoo

This will be a family friendly event with food available by donation and speakers from various community groups who have been campaigning against the $8b East West tunnel. The rally will also be celebration of the peaceful community pickets that have been disrupting East West tunnel drilling.

Speakers include:

Freda Watkin (YCAT)
Amanda Stone & Steven Jolly (Yarra Councillors)
Keith & Mike (Local Residents)
Anthony Maine (Community Picket Coordinator)
More to be announced

Endorsements:

The community picket disrupting the test drilling
Yarra Campaign for Action on Transport (YCAT)
Protectors of Public Lands Victoria (coalition of 80 environment, heritage and transport groups)
If your organisation would like to endorse this protest contact Liz Walsh on 0405 736 265

Get involved:
To get involved in the campaign that has successfully disrupted East West tunnel drilling:
Txt 'tunnel' to 0432 447 036 to receive daily picket locations

For campaign updates 'like' on facebook
- Yarra Campaign for Action on Transport
- No East-West Tunnel - Take the Pledge
- Trains Not Tolls

Visit www.ycat.org.au
Follow our social media hashtag: #tunnelpicket

Final Reminder : Rally "Say No to the East West Link - Yes to Doncaster Rail" Tuesday 20 August 2013 12:45 pm for 1 pm start to 2 pm Steps of Parliament. It is DDay for the future of Melbourne. Our inner city suburbs and our parks - Royal Park, Travancore and the Moonee Ponds Creek- will be bulldozed and destroyed if the juggernaut of the East West Link is constructed, unless we act now.

The rally is being initiated by community groups and is being hosted by the Coalition of Transport Action Groups (CTAG) whose coordinators are Protectors of Public Lands Victoria Inc. and the Yarra Coalition for Action of Transport (YCAT.) It has the support of the City of Yarra which has been running the excellent "Trains Not Toll Roads "campaign. See website http://www.yarracity.vic.gov.au/trains-not-tollroads

See the video, "Lies we don't buy," about the East West Link.

Why 20 August is our deadline

The 20 August 2013 is the first day of Parliament after the winter recess. It is imperative that the rally be held on this day as the Amendment relating to the East West Link to the Major Projects Transport Facilitation Act 2009 is due for the second reading and debate in the Legislative Assembly. It signals that the Government is trying to fast track the EW Link; further reduce consultation and public input; and hand over authority to the project proponent - Linking Melbourne Authority - who will be able to change the rules as the project proceeds and as it sees fit. (Just look at the LMA website with photos of the construction of EastLink and PeninsulaLink and you will see what we are in for.)

Venu: Steps of Parliament or nearby if not accessible

The venue is the steps of Parliament but you may have to stand on the footpaths opposite outside the Windsor Hotel or the Imperial Hotel as areas of the steps are blocked off. The MC of the rally, Rod Quantock (Atg President of PPL VIC), will given instructions. Please bring placards but not banners as it is likely to be windy. Plus there may not be room on the steps of Parliament. Look forward to seeing you there!

Make your comment here:

Urgent. See Linking Melbourne Authority News Mailout [email protected] Please comment in your own words that you are opposed to the East West Link and advocate instead public transport eg Doncaster Rail. (The Director of LMA is reported to have stated that only a few people have made comments so obviously the public are satisfied with the project! So prove him wrong.)

For queries contact Julianne Bell PPL VIC on Mobile 0408022408 or Freda Watkin YCAT on Mobile 0422650936.

Source: Press release by Julianne Bell, Protectors of Public Lands Victoria Inc. (PPL VIC) and the Coalition of Transport Action Groups (CTAG)

You are invited to the official opening, the inauguration, of "Doyle's Dunny", a new toilet block at the entrance of the Australian Native Garden in Royal Park, Parkville. Iconic vegetation and indigenous and Melbourne Gardens traditions have been set aside for the siting of this enormous new stainless steel super toilet. The inauguration will be officiated by Rod Quantock Acting President of PPL VIC, as MC. Venue is Gatehouse Street Parkville entrance to Australian Native Garden, Royal Park, at 12:30 pm Friday 15 February 2013.

PPL VIC: Official Opening of "Doyle's Dunny" Entrance to the Australian Native Garden Royal Park on Gatehouse Street Parkville at 12:30 pm Friday 15 February 2013 You are invited to the official opening, the inauguration, of "Doyle's Dunny", a new toilet block at the entrance of the Australian Native Garden in Royal Park, Parkville.

Background History of Project:

As you may be aware, the Lord Mayor of the City of Melbourne, The Right Hon Robert Doyle, The Chief Executive Officer, Dr Kathy Alexander and Mr. Ian Shears of Urban Landscapes have gone to enormous trouble to have a special sewer line laid to the site, an area at the entrance of the Australian Native Garden cleared of indigenous vegetation and the historic 120 year old pepper tree (known as a "peppercorn") specially cut back to accommodate this stainless-steel, super size toilet block. (It is believed this tree was planted by Francis Meaker the first Park Ranger and Bailiff sometime in the late 19 th century.) The Royal Park Master Plan which recommended a stand of lemon scented gums at this entrance of Royal Park, not a toilet block, has been ignored. The Council has a new policy re toilet blocks and has discarded the old cast iron model, painted Brunswick Green to fit in with the heritage streetscapes and Gardens. Instead we have a stainless steel up to date model. Note that the area behind the toilet block has been cleared to stop any "anti social behavior", to use the Council staff's euphemism. This model and location were apparently given a blessing by the President of the Parkville Association and the Branch Chair of the Australian Garden History Society. Unkind opponents have nicknamed the edifice the "Silver Tomb" and have referred to it as the "biggest blot on the landscape in Melbourne".

Official Opening or Inauguration:

When: 12:30 pm Friday 15 February 2013 Where: In front of "Doyle's Dunny" (the popular name for the toilet block) at the entrance to the Australian Native Garden in Royal Park, Parkville. This is opposite the intersection of Park Drive and Gatehouse Street. Note that it is expected that the toilet block will be open for business next week, according to Council staff. Transport: Tram down Royal Parade to Gatehouse Street stop. This is on the corner with the Walmsley House and the easily recognised huge Golden Elm (on significant tree register.) Parking can be found in Gatehouse Street, on the blue stone semi circular driveway at the entrance of the Australian Native Garden and in surrounding streets. MC: Rod Quantock Acting President of PPL VIC will act as MC. Dress: Smart casual. Decorations may be worn. Contact for enquiries: Julianne Bell Secretary PPL VIC Mobile 0408022408 Photographs 8a is of the front of the toilet block at the entrance to the Australian Native Garden. 7a is the back of the toilet block.(Its not actually on a slope it was the fault of the photographer who did not have a steady hand.)The pepper tree photo taken before works started shows the over-hang which has been removed .. Julianne Bell Secretary Protectors of Public Lands Victoria Inc. PO Box 197 Parkville 3052