Protestors gathered again in Watton Street Werribee today to voice their concerns about the City of Wyndham’s plan for the “20 Minute City.” Organised by the City of Wyndham Action Group, the protest aimed to draw attention to the potential implications of new development concepts
The protest in Werribee today highlights growing concerns among residents about the management of public funds and the need for transparency and accountability from local authorities.
The City of Wyndham Action Group urged the council to listen attentively to the concerns of the residents and to fulfill their role as elected officials, serving the community’s best interests.
They underscored the importance of community engagement at the local level and emphasised the necessity of residents having a say in shaping the city’s future.
The 20 Minute City is proposing to create self-contained neighborhoods where residents can live, work, shop, study, and play within a 20-minute radius, promoting active modes of transportation like walking, cycling, and e-transport.
Protesters also raised concerns about the local council’s financial management practices. The record debt and borrowing practices were criticised by protesters who attributed it to the rapid growth of the area and claimed it has failed to meet its current responsibilities, such as maintaining essential infrastructure such as roads, footpaths, rubbish collection, and parks
They are calling for the council to prioritise these fundamental aspects rather than imposing high-tech plans without sufficient consultation with the locals.
Leading the protest Patrizia Barcotta told the Werribee News she wants Wyndham City Council to be more transparent and more accountable for there decisions.
“If they make a decision which they beleive is right and then a resident speaks up they will ignore you and that’s exactly what they are doing to us as concerned residents. We have questions and they are not being answered”
“Our voice is not being heard and we are doing our best to get the word out which at the moment is presenting to be very difficult,” Barcotta said.
In a powerful display of civic engagement, the City of Wyndham Action Group is calling upon the council to heed the concerns of their constituents. The group aims to remind officials of their duty to serve the community and to be receptive to the voices of the people they represent.
Protesters also brought up the topic of transportation and inquired about possible limitations on car usage to promote public transport while expressing concerns about the freedom to shop beyond their designated area and hire tradespeople residing outside the neighborhood.
The potential impact of limitations on leaving the designated area on children’s schooling and families residing outside the neighborhood was also a point of concern.
Additionally, concerns were raised regarding the use of CCTV surveillance, the storage and access to personal data, and the collection of data through public Wi-Fi which could be used to sell to 3rd parties without users clear understanding or consent.
Looking to the future, the protesters expressed apprehension about ongoing trials in Oxford, England, which limit residents to 100 trips outside their designated zone per year arguing that such limitations would render certain areas inaccessible, leading to longer travel times and increased congestion in alternative routes.
They also fervently defended the freedom of movement as an essential right of Australian citizens and warned against any encroachment on this fundamental liberty.
With a steadfast conviction, the City of Wyndham Action Group emphasised the significance of local-level engagement and the necessity for residents to have a say in shaping the future of their city.
Their message was clear: the people of Wyndham deserved a seat at the table, and their voices must be heard. The City of Wyndham Action Group’s call for greater community involvement was also an impassioned plea for a more democratic and equitable future.
