Shock bridge ruling trashes democracy

Jessica Benton
“Stunned” objectors have warned of industrial action after State Government announced it would push ahead with its two-bridge plan for Barwon Heads despite an upper house vote rejecting it last week.
Planning Minister Justin Madden said he had “removed” the requirement for the Barwon Heads Bridge project to have a planning scheme amendment.
His use of the Planning and Environment Act to nullify the upper house vote allows the Government to start work on the controversial two-bridge project immediately.
Friends of Barwon Heads Bridge’s Bernard Napthine said he was “stunned”.
“So much for Labor Government caring about community and people,” he said.
“This decision shows blatant contempt for community concerns and needs.”
Mr Napthine said the friends group would seek legal advice.
He expected community uproar at Barwon Heads and Ocean Grove.
“I know some people had discussions with the trade union movement and there may be picket lines to prevent construction,” Mr Napthine said.
State Liberal upper house Member for Western Victoria David Koch said the Government’s decision “flies in the face of a democratic process”.
“This further expresses the arrogance of the Brumby Government,” he said.
“This Government seems fit to walk all over the Barwon Heads community, even in the face of the disallowment motion being successfully carried by all non-government party members who opposed the two-bridge construction.”
Mr Koch said the Government’s plan was “environmentally bad, financially flawed and hasn’t got community support”.
Mr Madden said the plan could proceed under already-issued statutory coastal and heritage approvals.
“The Brumby Government is taking action to reconstruct this historic bridge and improve its safety,” he said.
“As we proposed, the existing bridge will be reconstructed and feature much of the heritage character while allowing Vicroads to meet essential safety and load-bearing requirements.”
Mr Madden said the project was “too important” to become “a political tool” for the opposition and Greens.
Member for South Barwon Michael Crutchfield welcomed Mr Madden’s bridge announcement.
“As always with such projects, there has been a variety of local community views on this project. The community can now move forward and support the construction of the new bridge, which was an election commitment,” Mr Crutchfield said.
Meanwhile, ward councillor and Labor member Andy Richards said he supported a one-bridge option despite last week voting against a council motion supporting one bridge for Barwon Heads.
“Most locals want the bridge at Geelong Road and the State Government hasn’t done that, so the community will be unhappy,” Cr Richards said.
“I share the community’s view. One bridge, most likely at Geelong Road would have been my preferred option.”