Bridge fight ‘hitting wall’

TOM BENNETT
CLIFTON Springs’ residents have “nowhere left to turn” in their protest against a proposed bridge to a new residential development, according to their spokesperson.
Gary Dean said state Planning Minister Matthew Guy was their last hope but “steadfastly refused” to meet residents to hear their concerns.
The Independent revealed in August that Mr Guy had rejected residents’ advances, telling them Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) was the appropriate authority to hear their grievances.
“We want the minister to intervene in the planning process and stop the bridge being built,” Mr Dean said.
“Time and again our phone calls are ignored and our emails go unanswered. On many occasions Mr Guy visited our region but has refused to even acknowledge us.
“It has caused deep anger and a high degree of frustration among the people of Clifton Springs.”
“The council has turned its back on us, so we’re running out of people to turn to for support. It seems we can’t get anyone in a position of responsibility to listen to us.
“We’re now involved in a desperate 11th hour bid to change the minister’s mind and have him intervene before the VCAT hearing late this month.”
Mr Dean said he was not confident VCAT would rule in residents’ favour.