OCCUPY THOMPSON SQUARE: DAY 75
CELEBRATED WITH A VISIT FROM DAVID SHOEBRIDGE, MLC
Opponents of the O’Farrell Government’s plans to build an arterial road through Australia’s oldest town square are occupying Thompson Square in Windsor, north west of Sydney.
Day 75 of the Occupation was marked with NSW MLC, David Shoebridge again visiting the Square. He joins the thousands of other concerned people, keen to see and hear about the issues first hand, who have recently visited Australia’s oldest town square. CAWB Chair, Mr Dail Miller says the response to the occupation has been extraordinary with people driving from all over Sydney to visit the protest. The tent with its surrounding colourful woollen ‘garden’ (an entry in the local garden competition) and the blanket wrapped trees have become a local icon, attracting plenty of attention from commuters who daily battle the peak hour traffic in the Square.
While the visit by Mr Shoebridge sees his name added to the Thompson Square Occupation roster, David is no stranger to this heritage precinct having visited both privately and as a speaker at recent public rallies. Mr Shoebridge was welcomed warmly by CAWB representatives when he joined the protestors at 5pm on Thursday for an evening shift.
Like local protestors, he is concerned the Government’s plans both destroy the precinct’s significant heritage value, and are the worst possible outcome for the local community, with the estimated $65 million project delivering ever increasing numbers of large commercial vehicles and commuter traffic through a community precinct.
The project is attracting significant local hostility due to the Government’s determination to demolish the much-loved Windsor Bridge. The demolition means the new bridge will simply replicate existing service levels. CAWB Chair Dail Miller says the existing two lanes are already inadequate and the $65 million will deliver exactly the same service.
Mr Shoebridge was briefed by locals about recent developments in their ongoing battle for Thompson Square as well as their plans for future action.
“To have reached day 75 with this community occupation is a remarkable achievement and is testament to the spirit and resolve of the local community to protect their history.
“The heritage of Thomson’s Square is too important to be left to be destroyed for the RMS’s uninspiring and inadequate plans.
“It is always a pleasure to stand up for the state’s precious heritage with a community that is so engaged, informed and committed to do the right thing.
“It is surely time for the O’Farrell government to recognise the absurdity of destroying the country’s oldest public square for a project the comm is so opposed to,” Mr Shoebridge said.
Noting the protest is still in its early days, Mr Miller has a sombre message for the O’Farrell Government, “We aren’t going away and we are very, very determined. We are learning all the time and gathering support daily... and we are all completely committed to a decent solution for the residents of the Hawkesbury; one that respects Australian history.”
CELEBRATED WITH A VISIT FROM DAVID SHOEBRIDGE, MLC
Opponents of the O’Farrell Government’s plans to build an arterial road through Australia’s oldest town square are occupying Thompson Square in Windsor, north west of Sydney.
Day 75 of the Occupation was marked with NSW MLC, David Shoebridge again visiting the Square. He joins the thousands of other concerned people, keen to see and hear about the issues first hand, who have recently visited Australia’s oldest town square. CAWB Chair, Mr Dail Miller says the response to the occupation has been extraordinary with people driving from all over Sydney to visit the protest. The tent with its surrounding colourful woollen ‘garden’ (an entry in the local garden competition) and the blanket wrapped trees have become a local icon, attracting plenty of attention from commuters who daily battle the peak hour traffic in the Square.
While the visit by Mr Shoebridge sees his name added to the Thompson Square Occupation roster, David is no stranger to this heritage precinct having visited both privately and as a speaker at recent public rallies. Mr Shoebridge was welcomed warmly by CAWB representatives when he joined the protestors at 5pm on Thursday for an evening shift.
Like local protestors, he is concerned the Government’s plans both destroy the precinct’s significant heritage value, and are the worst possible outcome for the local community, with the estimated $65 million project delivering ever increasing numbers of large commercial vehicles and commuter traffic through a community precinct.
The project is attracting significant local hostility due to the Government’s determination to demolish the much-loved Windsor Bridge. The demolition means the new bridge will simply replicate existing service levels. CAWB Chair Dail Miller says the existing two lanes are already inadequate and the $65 million will deliver exactly the same service.
Mr Shoebridge was briefed by locals about recent developments in their ongoing battle for Thompson Square as well as their plans for future action.
“To have reached day 75 with this community occupation is a remarkable achievement and is testament to the spirit and resolve of the local community to protect their history.
“The heritage of Thomson’s Square is too important to be left to be destroyed for the RMS’s uninspiring and inadequate plans.
“It is always a pleasure to stand up for the state’s precious heritage with a community that is so engaged, informed and committed to do the right thing.
“It is surely time for the O’Farrell government to recognise the absurdity of destroying the country’s oldest public square for a project the comm is so opposed to,” Mr Shoebridge said.
Noting the protest is still in its early days, Mr Miller has a sombre message for the O’Farrell Government, “We aren’t going away and we are very, very determined. We are learning all the time and gathering support daily... and we are all completely committed to a decent solution for the residents of the Hawkesbury; one that respects Australian history.”
