SInce 21 July 2013, CAWB and their band of loyal supporters have been occupying Thompson Square. This is in response to the growing anger felt by the community over the State Government's plan to replace the historic Windsor Bridge and build a high, wide arterial road through Australia's oldest public square. Twenty four hours a day, seven days a week, volunteers man the 'High Commission' tent set in the corner of the square, on a section of the ground that, if the plan goes ahead, will be buried by the new project. The volunteers take it in turns to protect the square on a roster of four hourly shifts. As you could imagine, when you are sitting there 24 hrs a day, in all sorts of weather, all manner of interesting events take place... But most of all, the High Commissioners all report meeting the most wonderful people, having a few laughs, and strengthening their resolve to fight this third rate plan.
Why has the local community felt the need to keep a physical human presence in Thompson Square?
If you would like to join us for a shift in our history making and perfectly legal protest, please contact us here.
Why has the local community felt the need to keep a physical human presence in Thompson Square?
- Thompson Square was proclaimed by Governor Macquarie in 1811, making it the oldest proclaimed public square in Australia.
- Thompson Square is the much-loved heart of Windsor. With its surrounding historical buildings it is a unique heritage precinct, listed on the State Heritage Register as an item of state significance known as the Thompson Square Conservation Area.
- NSW Roads & Maritime Services plan to demolish the existing bridge (also of historical significance) and build a modern concrete bridge and new approach road through Thompson Square.
- CAWB says the new bridge and road will:
- be disastrous for the Thompson Square Conservation Area as a heritage area,
- irreversibly and seriously diminish everyday use of Thompson Square now and for the future.
- CAWB and many others argue a by-pass is the real solution.
If you would like to join us for a shift in our history making and perfectly legal protest, please contact us here.