RESIDENTS are now occupying the roof of a forcibly acquired home at 1 Wolseley St Haberfield after it was fenced off by WestCONnex contractors in preparation for demolition.

The former family home in the Haberfield conservation area has been fenced off for demolition so a WestCONnex construction compound can be built on the land. 

“The $16.8 billion WestCONnex toll road will destroy Haberfield and the surrounding suburbs,” said local resident and WestCONnex Action Group (WAG) spokesperson Sharon Laura. 

“We have already seen much-loved family homes and small businesses needlessly destroyed for this toll road, which will see western Sydney drivers pay tolls of up to $11 each way to drive into traffic jams. 

“A federal Senate corruption inquiry has been asked to investigate one of WestCONnex’s major contractors, Leighton [CPB Contractors], and its involvement in the tollway. Its construction partner Samsung also stands accused of corruption on a global scale. 

“Despite this, the Baird Government rubber-stamped the project. In doing so, it ignored the evidence it received in almost 4,800 objections to the M4 East. And it has treated residents who attempted to engage in its ‘consultation’ processes with contempt.  

“That’s why we’re taking direct action once again to stop WestCONnex and stand up for Sydney and its wonderful heritage. 

“The people of Sydney deserve better. And we will continue to protect our community and our city until the Baird Government calls a halt to WestCONnex and this senseless destruction.”

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