Maribyrnong citizen of the year and president of the The Maribyrnong Truck Action Group (MTAG) Martin Wurt, tells Jennifer Pittorino about his work in Maribyrnong and his connection to the west.
Tell us a bit about you and what you do?
After moving to Yarraville, I questioned the number of trucks on our streets and discovered a link between diesel exhaust and cancer. I figured I had two choices, move or get active. Being already in love with the west, I decided to get active. I’ve been involved in MTAG now for 18-plus years. Our aim is simple – less trucks on residential streets and reduced air and noise pollution.
Tell us about how you feel about being named citizen of the year?
It’s an honour, I never expected to be recognised for my advocacy efforts. The award is not just for me, it’s really for MTAG and all the amazing people who have given their time over the years. And what a battle, there’s over eight million truck movements each year in Maribyrnong.
What does this mean to you?
This award highlights the long fight to get trucks off our streets but also, it’s a chance to reflect on close to 19 years of campaigning and our achievements. These include truck curfews, moves to phase out the oldest most polluting trucks, major freight on rail projects and the promised West Gate Tunnel truck bans.
What’s your connection to Maribyrnong or Hobsons Bay?
I’ve lived in Yarraville for over 30 years, it’s my home. With my partner, we’ve raised a family here, it’s where so many of our best memories have been made, it’s where most of our friends live and where we feel most comfortable.
What do you like about where you live?
I love Yarraville’s proximity to the city, the sense of community, the public transport, Yarraville village and I love the diversity of the west.
What, if anything, would you change about where you live?
You guessed it, getting trucks off our streets. The truck issue is one of the longest running examples of environmental injustice in our state. Maribyrnong has some of Victoria’s worst health stats for disease caused by pollution. Our adolescent asthma rates are 50% above the state average, that must change. We’re promised 24-7 truck bans on most of our streets when the West Gate Tunnel opens, this will be a real game changer. However, the tunnel vent stacks are not getting filters. We may get the trucks off our streets but we are missing the opportunity to filter the pollution that will pour out of the stacks. This technology is readily available now.
Where is your favourite local place to spend time?
There’s too many to mention…Maribyrnong River, Willy beach, Yarraville Gardens, Cruikshank Park, Williamstown Botanical gardens…
Tell us something people would be surprised to know about you.
I’m a photographer who has specialised in working with non-governmental organisations. It’s been a privilege in my career to travel to many remote communities around the world and see the positive difference that aid makes.
Is there anything else you would like to say?
Williamstown Road is not getting a truck ban, it’s actually projected to get a doubling of trucks. It’s disappointing that a $10.5 billion project will actually make life worse for some. The west is such an amazing place to live, together we can make it even better.
