Cade Lucas
Protesters rallied outside the office of Williamstown MP Melissa Horne on Thursday night, demanding an immediate pause on plans to close Champion Road as part of the Newport level crossing removal project.
Organised by the Keep Champion Road Open campaign, dozens of protesters brandishing “Save Newport’ signs converged outside Ms Horne’s office between 5pm and 6pm on December 5.
Many also left white feathers outside the office – a symbolic gesture calling for courage and moral responsibility, two qualities they accuse Ms Horne and the state government of lacking by continuing with plans to close Champion Road.
Last month, the state government released designs for the Newport level crossing removal project which involves boom gates on Champion Road and Maddox Road being removed.
While the designs showed Maddox Road continuing over the train line via a bridge, Champion Road is closed to traffic, with a pedestrian and cycling bridge built instead.
Opponents argue that making Maddox Road the only link between Williamstown North and Newport will cause traffic congestion, risk the safety of pedestrians, damage the environment and hurt local businesses.
There are also concerns that having only one major thoroughfare could hinder police and emergency services access to the area.
Speaking after the rally, local resident and Keep Champion Road Open spokesperson Damian Costin said the closure of Champion Road would have dramatic and lasting effects on the Newport and Williamstown North communities.
“From small businesses to families, everyone will feel the effects of this upheaval,” Mr Costin said.
“The government must engage meaningfully with the community to find a more balanced and sustainable solution.”
Ms Horne was not present at the rally, but in a statement to Star Weekly said she would push for changes to the project.
“Whilst I am supportive of removing level crossings, I share the community’s concerns regarding the lack of connectivity, noise attenuation and loss of vegetation,” Ms Horne said.
“I will continue to make representation on behalf of the community to the responsible minister.”
The decision to close Champion Road as part of level crossing removal works has been attributed to a lack of space, the presence of numerous oil and gas pipelines and the close proximity of the Newport stabling yards.
A spokesperson for Level Crossing Removal Project said a third round of community consultation was currently underway and that final designs would be released next year.
