The proposed closure of Champion Road as part of the Newport level crossing removal project (LXRP) and air pollution, particularly from the new West Gate Tunnel, occupied much of the agenda at the first full meeting of the new Hobsons Bay council on December 10.
Opposition to the Newport LXRP proved an especially hot topic, with a notice of motion, an update on the matter, as well as it taking up both public and supplementary question times and the delegation of councillors to committees.
The new representative for Williamstown North ward – where the proposed level crossing removal is located – Michael Disbury, used his first council meeting to lambast the proposal on two occasions.
Cr Disbury called designs for the LXRP, including the closure of Champion Road, “a disaster waiting to happen” in moving that he be appointed chair of the Newport Community Interest Group.
After his appointment was carried, Cr Disbury moved a notice of motion to keep Champion Road open and reaffirm council’s opposition to it in a letter to the government.
“The community fear that the headlong rush to get this project completed before the next state election will significantly put our community at risk of traffic and pedestrian accidents,” said Cr Disbury speaking to the motion.
He also highlighted environmental concerns such as the leaking fuel pipes along the train line and the lack of disabled access on a proposed pedestrian bridge, in his criticism of the LXRP proposal.
The motion was carried unanimously
Deputy mayor Rayene Hawli then introduced a notice of motion on air pollution, which called on the state government to install filters on vent stacks for the West Gate Tunnel.
“I been contacted by many community members especially parents, who are extremely concerned about the impact on their families,” said Cr Hawli of vehicle pollution from the tunnel if the pollution filters are not installed.
The state government has repeatedly said pollution filter technology is in its infancy and not suited to the project.
Cr Hawli’s motion also called on council to write to industrial operators in Altona North and Brooklyn, asking them what they are doing to prevent industrial odour.
“There are times when I’ve been in Brooklyn and Altona North where the smell has been unbearable,” said Cr Hawli, who noted that industrial odour was classed as pollution under the EPA Act.
The motion was carried unanimously.
Cade Lucas
