WESTCONNEX contractors carrying out geotechnical drilling in Haberfield called police this morning after residents entered the site to ask why work on the M4 East is commencing before any planning approval is granted.

“Residents and local councillors have been calling and writing to WestCONnex for months demanding to know why they’re carrying out these works before they get approval to start construction,” said WestCONnex Action Group spokesperson Sharon Laura, who took part in the protest.

“Yet despite our repeated requests, WestCONnex has never been able to provide any authority that proves they’ve got the legal right to carry out this work. They just keep bluffing and saying ‘trust us’.

“But no one here trusts WestCONnex. And this looks like yet another example of the utterly corrupted processes the Baird Government is using to try and rush this $15.4 billion sham toll road through. 

“We are not going to simply stand aside while WestCONnex destroys our neighbourhoods – and all for a toll road that will do nothing except deliver drivers in western Sydney straight into an inner-city traffic jam.

“This community stands united and we will not stop these actions until WestCONnex stops the secrecy.” 

Residents remain at the site, where they are now protesting outside the caged area surrounding the drill. The site’s project manager has only been able to provide a work order from Leightons contractors to residents, and has pledged to provide the legal documents. 

The environment impact statement (EIS) for the M4 East is open for public comment until 2 November 2015. Despite this, construction contracts have already been signed with Leighton Samsung John Holland Joint Venture to build the toll road.

Media Contact: Sharon Laura 0417 022 553, Pauline Lockie 0414 470 106

Photo: Andrew Chuter