SHANNON Noll performing ‘What about me?’ and a stirring speech by actor Michael Caton were two of the highlights of a community group’s marking of the 1000th day of its protest against the proposed new Windsor Bridge.
Community Action for Windsor Bridge’s event at Thompson Square in Windsor on Sunday attracted 1000 people according to organiser Pete Reynolds.
At least two volunteers from CAWB have occupied the square around the clock for more than 1000 days in what they describe as a ‘protective vigil’, wanting to preserve the current Windsor Bridge as well as to build a Windsor bypass instead of the RMS’ proposal.
“A loud swell of voices joined in the rousing chorus of ‘What about me?’,” CAWB member Kate Mackaness said. “Shannon Noll mingled happily with the crowds, commenting ‘I’m here because I believe in the cause’.”
“Michael Caton was at his laconic best, channelling his famous character in The Castle, Darryl Kerrigan when he said ‘it’s not dreamin’, it’s a nightmare’.”
She said Mr Caton also described the project as “complete overkill”. “A hundred million dollars for a bridge nobody wants? Give me a break,” he said in his fiery speech.
Angry Anderson and Randall Waller belted out well-known anthems such as ‘We can't be beaten’, Ms Mackaness said.
CFMEU rep Rebel Hanlon said of the government’s plans “they want to spend 100 million dollars building a bridge, they end up with exactly the same problem and they dig up an historic square to do it. What a disgrace”.
Pete Reynolds said the Baird Government was “dead wrong” about the project and that he was very disappointed that two years after committing to meet with locals the Premier was still making excuses. “Nine letters from CAWB following up on Premier Baird’s promise to meet have all been met with refusals,” he said.
Standing with State Shadow Minister for Roads, Jodie McKay, and State Shadow Minister for Heritage, Penny Sharpe, Macquarie Labor candidate Susan Templeman said “who do the local representatives think they are, to ignore 1000 days and 1000 good reasons to build a bypass?”.
Federal MP Louise Markus did not reply to an invitation to attend and State MP Dominic Perrottet declined his.
