RESIDENTS are now occupying a flat in a forcibly acquired apartment block at 27 Wattle St Haberfield that is due to be demolished for the $16.8 billion WestCONnex tollway project.

The apartment block is being destroyed to make way for a massive construction zone and extra traffic lanes in the middle of the Haberfield heritage conservation area. 

“The $16.8 billion WestCONnex toll road will devastate Haberfield and the surrounding areas,” said local resident and WestCONnex Action Group (WAG) spokesperson Cynthia Moore. 

“Much-loved family homes and small businesses are being smashed for this toll road, which see western Sydney drivers pay tolls of up to $11 each way to drive straight into traffic jams. 

“Two of the M4 East’s major contractors, Samsung and Leighton [CIMIC / CBP Contractors], are now embroiled in global corruption scandals. And yesterday the entire WestCONnex was labelled as ‘at risk’ because Leighton’s failed to pay its suppliers on the project.

“But despite these huge issues, the Baird Government continues to ignore residents and experts who try to engage with it. It’s subverted democratic planning processes every step of the way. And now it’s sacked councils to help bulldoze this taxpayer-funded toll road through.

“That’s why we’ve been left with no choice but to keep taking these peaceful actions to stop WestCONnex before it destroys so much of our great city. 

“And given how much Federal taxpayer money is being wasted on WestCONnex, it’s a key election issue.

“Our local communities, western Sydney commuters and Australian taxpayers all deserve better,” Ms Moore said.

Media contacts: Cynthia Moore 0407 079 096, Jo Alley 0421 155 170

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