Rally for Thompson Square - 21 July, 2013
PRIME MINISTER BACKS INDEPENDENT INQUIRY FOR THOMPSON SQUARE
The Prime Minister, Kevin Rudd has offered the Hawkesbury a real opportunity to resolve the long-running battle over Thompson Square and Windsor Bridge.
At a Rally held Sunday 21 July, Senator Doug Cameron, representing the Prime Minister with Macquarie candidate Susan Templeman at his side, delivered a game-changer in a battle locals have been waging for years against the State Government.
The thousands of protestors who travelled to Windsor for the event were told the Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Minister have committed half a million dollars for an independent study to consider alternatives to the State Government’s current plan for Windsor: a project heritage experts predict will permanently and irrevocable compromise the oldest town square in Australia
CAWB are campaigning to save Windsor Bridge for light and local traffic and gain a second bridge crossing constructed as part of a bypass solution for the historic township.
Cheers and applause echoed around the Georgian facades of the Square as Senator Cameron delivered the news, including that the proposal “must protect the heritage values of Thompson Square”.
Senator Cameron’s fiery speech was followed by an equally passionate speech by Green’s Senator Lee Rhiannon, with Macquarie candidate, Danielle Wheeler also on stage. The O’Farrell Government’s pursuit of this project in the face of the expert heritage advice and community opposition was a significant concern for Senator Rhiannon.
Green Bans Legend Jack Mundey was joined by Corinne Fisher of the Better Planning Network, Ian Carroll President of the National Trust of NSW, Professor Ian Jack speaking on behalf of the President of the Royal Australian Historical Society, Clive Lucas OBE and Rebel Hanlon from the CFMEU in universally condemning the O’Farrell Government’s destruction of one of Australia’s most significant heritage precincts.
Community members have resolved to permanently occupy Thompson Square. The occupation of the Square commenced at the conclusion of the Rally. CAWB Chair, Dail Miller says there is deep anger within the community that has translated into a huge response from the public with volunteers lining up to maintain a presence 24/7.
CAWB is calling on the Premier to accept the magnanimous offer from the Federal Government and move swiftly to achieve the best possible outcome for the community.
Read the Statement from Prime Minister Rudd
PRIME MINISTER BACKS INDEPENDENT INQUIRY FOR THOMPSON SQUARE
The Prime Minister, Kevin Rudd has offered the Hawkesbury a real opportunity to resolve the long-running battle over Thompson Square and Windsor Bridge.
At a Rally held Sunday 21 July, Senator Doug Cameron, representing the Prime Minister with Macquarie candidate Susan Templeman at his side, delivered a game-changer in a battle locals have been waging for years against the State Government.
The thousands of protestors who travelled to Windsor for the event were told the Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Minister have committed half a million dollars for an independent study to consider alternatives to the State Government’s current plan for Windsor: a project heritage experts predict will permanently and irrevocable compromise the oldest town square in Australia
CAWB are campaigning to save Windsor Bridge for light and local traffic and gain a second bridge crossing constructed as part of a bypass solution for the historic township.
Cheers and applause echoed around the Georgian facades of the Square as Senator Cameron delivered the news, including that the proposal “must protect the heritage values of Thompson Square”.
Senator Cameron’s fiery speech was followed by an equally passionate speech by Green’s Senator Lee Rhiannon, with Macquarie candidate, Danielle Wheeler also on stage. The O’Farrell Government’s pursuit of this project in the face of the expert heritage advice and community opposition was a significant concern for Senator Rhiannon.
Green Bans Legend Jack Mundey was joined by Corinne Fisher of the Better Planning Network, Ian Carroll President of the National Trust of NSW, Professor Ian Jack speaking on behalf of the President of the Royal Australian Historical Society, Clive Lucas OBE and Rebel Hanlon from the CFMEU in universally condemning the O’Farrell Government’s destruction of one of Australia’s most significant heritage precincts.
Community members have resolved to permanently occupy Thompson Square. The occupation of the Square commenced at the conclusion of the Rally. CAWB Chair, Dail Miller says there is deep anger within the community that has translated into a huge response from the public with volunteers lining up to maintain a presence 24/7.
CAWB is calling on the Premier to accept the magnanimous offer from the Federal Government and move swiftly to achieve the best possible outcome for the community.
Read the Statement from Prime Minister Rudd