Star Weekly - Hobsons Bay Maribyrnong - 18th October 2023

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18 OCTOBER, 2023

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Flood of memories Maribyrnong was one of the hardest hit suburbs during the devastating 2022 floods. Among those who witnessed their homes being inundated by flood waters, were Maribyrnong resident Paul Lau and his daughter Stephanie Wonglau. Twelve months on, the family is still struggling to get back on its feet. Jennifer Pittorino speaks to Mr Lau and others who are still rebuilding their lives 12 months on. ■ Special coverage: Pages 5-8

Paul Lau and Stephanie Wonglau. (Jacob Pattison) 365577_06

‘Another kick in the guts’ By Jennifer Pittorino Hobsons Bay council is sticking by its decision to evict the residents of Williamstown’s Techno Park despite a petition with 20,000 signatures asking that residents be allowed to stay. Six months have passed since Techno Park residents were delivered eviction notices in their mailboxes on May 18, stating they were living illegally in an industrial zone and need to find alternative accommodation. On Wednesday, October 11, Hobsons Bay council responded to a petition from Techno

Park residents, voting in favour of eviction as recommended by council officers. The petition urging Hobsons Bay council to stop the mass eviction of the more than 100 residents who are living on Industrial 1 zoned land, has now amassed more than 20,000 signatures. The petition was intended to be heard at Tuesday’s council meeting, when mid-way through the meeting the gallery full of Techno Park residents was notified the discussion involving Techno Park and the petition would be held ‘in-camera’ behind closed doors. The decision to make the discussion private

was made, “following correspondence received on October 9, from a lawyer representing some Techno Park stakeholders advising that legal proceedings would shortly be lodged,” council said in a media statement. “The recommendations contained in the published council agenda were adopted, along with two additional recommendations relating to communicating the decision quickly.” The council officer recommendations state that council cannot withdraw the May letter, as council is obligated to execute its responsibilities under the Planning and Environment Act 1987,

and the site is not suitable for residential use. In the same recommendation, council said it will support the establishment of a Techno Park Housing Solutions group. Council said this group will bring together local service providers, key state government agencies, Williamstown MP Melissa Horne, Techno Park stakeholders, council, and others as needed. “To work to identify opportunities and develop alternative safe and secure housing solutions for people currently living in Techno Park,” it said. ■ Turn to page 2

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