Published: 30 Aug 2021
Maritime Union of Australia congratulates NPRAG and the CFMEU on their principled defence of Willow Grove
The Maritime Union of Australia Sydney Branch today congratulated the North Parramatta Residents Action Group and the CFMEU for their principled defence of the historic Willow Grove in Parramatta.
“The leadership shown by the CFMEU in this struggle is a beacon for the entire union movement. The MUA was proud to stand in support of the CFMEU Green Ban, as we will every single time we are called upon to do so” said MUA Sydney Branch Secretary Paul Keating.
“The fight shown by Parramatta locals is exceptional. It is this principled, fighting spirit that inspired the Union movement to get involved. The CFMEU decision to back them with a Green Ban is a demonstration of their deep commitment to community-control over our public spaces and a rejection of the rampant developer greed rife in NSW ”.
“That the Berejiklian State Government took the opportunity to commence the destruction of Willow Grove under the cover of the worst COVID-19 outbreak Australia has seen is a disgraceful betrayal of the community. To send in demolition teams during this Delta outbreak in Sydney with health orders locking down Parramatta means that the Community and the Union movement led by the CFMEU had its hands-tied behind its back, and it says everything about how rotten this government is” said Mr. Keating.
“Both Willow Grove and St. Georges Terrace were planned for complete destruction. While the CFMEU and the community wanted Willow Grove to remain where it was, saving St. Georges Terrace and winning union-oversight of Willow Grove’s relocation are significant outcomes.”
“What we do know is that the developers of NSW have now officially been put on notice. Ordinary people are sick and tired of being ignored and swept aside by big development companies and their mates in the NSW Liberal Party. NPRAG and the CFMEU have demonstrated that when communities and the union movement get together, we’re a force to be reckoned with”
“If it were not for Darren Greenfield and the CFMEU these historic building would have been bulldozed long ago. The MUA wanted to participate in forming the new union – the CFMMEU - for exactly this reason: when we’re united behind this kind of leadership, anything is possible.”
For Comment: Paul Keating 0434 290 443
