Established in 1875 as the
proudly serving Maribyrnong and Hobsons Bay
16 NOVEMBER, 2022
Art of the craft beer
Black Arts Brewers and Blenders owner Joshua Murnane and Williamstown Beer and Cider Festival director Terri Jackson are excited to showcase a number of local beers and ciders as part of the festival. (Damjan Janevski) 307572_05
The best of the west’s brewing talents will be making their way to Williamstown for the return of the Williamstown Beer and Cider. Hosted on Saturday, November 26 from noon to 7pm at Seaworks, the festival will feature more than 100 beers and ciders from more than 20 independent breweries. Event co-organiser Shane Graham said the event will be an opportunity to celebrate local production of beer and cider. “We are excited to be back working with indie producers and local businesses,” he said. “We are loving the support we are receiving from our patrons re-engaging with the event.” “We are supporting the Les Twentyman Foundation again this year with our Giant Beer Raffle.” Mr Graham said one of the highlight vendors will be one of Williamstown’s own beer brewers, Black Arts Brewers and Blenders. “Williamstown’s only operating brewery is a small, conscious brewery ageing beer in repurposed oak barrels,” he said. “We can’t wait to taste their beers at this year’s festival.” Details: www.willybeerfest.com.au
Road plan a ‘train wreck’ By Matthew Sims
12533599-HC07-22
Newport and Williamstown residents have expressed their dissatisfaction with Labor’s proposed plan to completely close the Champion Road level crossing to traffic. As part of an announcement on October 26, Labor pledged to remove the remaining level crossings along the Werribee line, including Champion Road. Labor proposes building a grade-separated pedestrian crossing at Champion Road that will link with local paths and divert traffic to a proposed new rail bridge at the Maddox Road level crossing.
Hobsons Bay councillor Peter Hemphill said the plan would disadvantage Newport and Williamstown residents. “There has been a swift and strong community response to the plan to close Champion Road, which would be a train wreck for residents and businesses in Newport and Williamstown,” he said. “We need to maintain north-south connections between Newport and Williamstown.” Newport Traders Association president Gill Gannon said the proposed closure of the crossing would be “devastating” for the community.
“It was an announcement that took us off guard,” she said. Ms Gannon said the closure would divert traffic onto already congested roads such as Kororoit Creek Road. “The movement of the community is really going to change,” she said. Ms Gannon said the Keep Champion Road Open Facebook page had already attracted more than 850 followers and a petition had also begun to show the community’s opposition to the plans. Liberal candidate for Williamstown Daria Kellander said the closure would add to commute times. “The west needs better infrastructure and
connectivity, not more traffic, congestion and noise,” she said. Further investigations would be required on road improvement options before designs are completed, with community engagement scheduled to begin next year. Williamstown MP Melissa Horne said while the closure of the level crossing was the preferred option, Labor would consult with the community. “We’ll work closely with the community to hear their views and take the time to get this project right,” she said. “This project isn’t due for completion until 2030 so we have the time to continue this work.” Details: keepchampionroadopen.com
Kenyon-Smith Denture Clinic A family tradition for 60 years 100 Pier Street, Altona 9315 9231 • 27 Old Geelong Road, Hoppers Crossing 9748 8204
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