brick barrel drain, Windsor bridge

Roads and Maritime Services workers have uncovered more of the brick barrel drain structure at Windsor Bridge.  These are known locally as the ‘Smuggler’s Tunnels’ and were commissioned in 1814.  They are the earliest known example of this type of infrastructure in Australia.

This structure will be destroyed when the NSW Government builds a bridge that directs traffic into intersections that will be beyond capacity when the bridge opens.

For the past 5 years, community members have been protesting at Thompson Square in Windsor every single day, 24 hours a day, Christmas Day included. They want to stop the construction of a massive bridge and road right through the nationally significant heritage square – Australia’s oldest public square.

Hunters Hill Trust has sent a submission to the Parliamentary Enquiry which we will be to able to publish when the Enquiry is made public.   You can read the Trust’s urgent letter to the NSW Premier about the Windsor Bridge Project.

Sign the petition to save Windsor Bridge here.

For the past 5 years, community members have been protesting at Thompson Square in Windsor:  every single day, 24 hours a day, Christmas Day included.

The aim of this extraordinary vigil is to stop the NSW government from constructing a massive bridge and road right through the nationally significant heritage square – Australia’s oldest public square. Despite their efforts, the NSW government is pushing ahead with their plan. See the recent media coverage shown on Current Affair recently.

https://www.facebook.com/ACurrentAffair9/videos/1326927937413580/

Sign the petition here: community-action-for-windsor-bridge-save-the-birthplace-of-the-fair-go-and-australia-s-oldest-town-square.  There is a rally there on Sunday 29th from noon.

It is just incomprehensible that this precinct is going to be destroyed. Why not find another route?

Roads and Maritime Services (RMS) has withdrawn its application for legal costs from members of the Community Action for Windsor Bridge committee.  RMS knows it could not have won costs as a judge has to consider if:

1. The litigation raises one or more novel issues of general importance

2. The litigation has contributed, in a material way, to the proper understanding, development or administration of the law

3. Where the litigation is brought to protect the environment or some component of it, the environment or component is of significant value and importance

4. The litigation affects a significant section of the public

5. There was no financial gain for the applicant in bringing the proceedings.

The 24 hr/day protective occupation of Thompson Square, Australia’s oldest square, is now in its third year.   The struggle continues.  More info:  CAWB on Facebook

Heritage-listed Windsor Bridge, constructed 1874. Photo: State Library of NSW

Individual members of Community Action for Windsor Bridge (CAWB) may face financial ruin if NSW Department of Planning seeks costs following a recent case in the Land and Environment Court.

CAWB has has been fighting the State Government’s plan to bulldoze historic Windsor bridge and send massive trucks into Australia’s oldest public square.

This precinct of State Significant Heritage dates back to 1795 and has numerous items of built, cultural and natural significance.

Houses of Thompson square, National Library, ca 1935

A permanent conservation order was declared over the entire Thompson Square Heritage Precinct in 1982.  BUT ‘State Significant Infrastructure’ legislation introduced by the current State Government lets the government ignore the advice of countless heritage, planning, traffic, architectural and engineering experts and protests from every heritage and historical organisation in the country.

Read more:  SMH: Roads and Maritime Services (RMS) pursues community group

The Roads and Maritime Services plans to bulldoze Windsor bridge and send massive trucks into Australia’s oldest public square.  This precinct of State Significant Heritage dates back to 1795 and has numerous items of built, cultural and natural significance.

A permanent conservation order was declared over the entire Thompson Square Heritage Precinct in 1982.  BUT ‘State Significant Infrastructure’ legislation introduced by the current State Government lets the government ignore the advice of countless heritage, planning, traffic, architectural and engineering experts and protests from every heritage and historical organisation in the country.

The National Trust, the Federation of Australian Historical Societies and the Heritage Council have all opposed the plan for the ‘irrevocable damage’ it will do to Windsor and Thomspon Square yet the government is determined to push ahead regardless.

The locals have had a permanent presence in the Square – for 24 hours a day, seven days a week since 21 July 2013, rain or shine, at least two people, often more, have watched over the Square in opposition to the Government’s destructive plans. Thousands of letters have been sent to the Premier.

A public rally is being held on Sunday 8th March from 1pm with live music and speeches at 2pm.