Up to 200 people are expected to attend tonight’s Save Newtown Stop #WestCONnex public meeting organised by the Newtown branch of the WestCONnex Action Group (WAG) and supported by the Newtown Precinct Business Association.
“This will be an opportunity for Newtown residents and businesses to learn more about the devastating impact the $15.4 billion toll road would have on their local area if it goes ahead,” said WAG Newtown spokesperson Lorrie Graham.
“We’ve already seen what happened to Paddington, which was once a vibrant hub of alternative lifestyles, intellectuals and artists. But clearways were increased on Oxford St and now it’s dead. Newtown will go the same way if WestCONnex goes ahead.
“We encourage everyone with questions about WestCONnex to come along to this meeting, and find out what they can do to stop this sham toll road from destroying our iconic suburb.”
When: Monday 10 August, 6:30pm – 9pm
Where: Newtown Neighbourhood Centre, 1 Bedford St, Newtown NSW 2042 (entrance on King St)
18:30: Meeting opens. Speakers introduced.
18:40: Celia Morris, owner of Dragstar and Shorties on King St, to talk about the impact of WestCONnex on the small independent businesses and fringe retailers of Newtown.
18:45: Mark Ely, President of the Newtown Precinct Business Association
18:50: Mat Hounsell of Eco-Transit Sydney to discuss how King St has already been earmarked for clearways by the RMS
18:55: Professor Paul Torzillo, Executive Clinical Director and Senior Respiratory Physician at RPA, to discuss health impacts of traffic pollution
19:00: Jenny Leong MP, Member for Newtown to discuss campaign to stop WestCONnex
19:05: Questions taken from floor
19:50: Speakers to summarise key points from group discussion
20:10: Lorrie Graham of WAG Newtown to talk about next steps in the campaign
20:15: All attendees to vote on meeting resolutions
20:30: Official meeting closes. Speakers, WAG members available for interview.
Event hashtags: #savenewtown #westCONnex
Event page: https://www.facebook.com/events/1455816024723530/
Media Contacts: Pauline Lockie 0414 470 106, Lorrie Graham 0408 291 809