Preview of Week 5 – Time for the community to have their say

By Andrew Herington

The East West Link hearings move into their third phase this week with the community groups and individuals finally getting their turn to present their views.

On Monday the EPA finish their evidence with a series of speakers on noise, energy, greenhouse gas emissions, water, groundwater and contaminated waste. The City of Melbourne has also been given an hour to introduce some final evidence.

Then we hear from the politicians – four Labor representatives headed up by Shadow Minister for Planning Brian Tee, and Colleen Hartland MLC for The Greens.

On Tuesday, we start the community presentations many of which will focus on planning issues and specific property problems.

The focus will shift to transport on Wednesday. Thursday will be dominated by Royal Park and submissions on Moonee Ponds Creek and Flemington. Friday will be a rest day with no hearings.

Particular submissions to watch out for include the Collective of Child Health – a group of health professionals  who are the first group up on Tuesday; Vision Australia talking about their guide dogs facility in Kensington (Wednesday) and the Clifton Hill Primary School (Thursday).

A new timetable came out on Friday but there are only a few changes – check your time hasn’t been adjusted: Version 5 of East West Link Timetable 280314

Sports groups will be presenting during the week on the impact the toll road will have on disrupting sport during construction and shrinking the already scarce space available for inner-city sports groups.

It is very important for presenters to be at the venue well in advance of their allotted time, and to have their notes or ideas clear. There is no need to be nervous as the Chair has been encouraging to community witnesses and understanding of the daunting process.

Check out this page for guidance on what to expect or how to organise your presentation.

If you want more advice or help with your presentation contact contact your cluster coordinator by sending a message to ewlinkblog@gmail.com or ring Andrew Herington on 0418 573 504.