SAVE WILLIAMSTOWN
Defence Contracts at the Shipyards
SAVE WILLIAMSTOWN
Defence Contracts at the Shipyards
The recent announcement of expansion of shipbuilding with new contracts indicates that the shipbuilding and maritime industries remain very important to Williamstown.
The ability of BAE Systems to apply for defence contracts could be severely compromised by buildings 46.5 metres high residential towers overlooking the shipyards. Also residents of those towers could seek noise and lighting controls over the shipyard activities in the same way that Garden Island activities have been curtailed in Sydney in consultations with residents of new dwellings at Potts Point - see Community Consultation and Communications Report
More information about Garden Island responses to the neighbouring Community is available at http://www.gardenisland.info/3-02-000.html
Not only are Australian government tenders likely to be impacted but overseas governments’ contracts also which are a source of export income.
From The Advertiser 2nd September 2009
.....Mr Bracks said legislation protected the viability of BAE Systems' military operations. Objectors fear the future of Australia's biggest defence contractor, which employs 400 people at its Williamstown shipyard, could be threatened by encroaching residential development and the prying eyes of neighbours.
"They are under legislation already and have a planning ordinance which requires that purpose for that use; that's already the case and I assume that will be maintained," Mr Bracks said.”
We need to write to the Defence Minister and the Minister for Trade pointing out the potential for such tenders being compromised if residential high rise is allowed adjacent to the shipyards.
We also need assistance from those with experience of defence contracts to add community voice to any objections which BAE Systems may raise to the proposed development.
Please email
Write to:
Prime Minister
The Hon Kevin Rudd, MP
Minister for Defence
Senator the Hon John Faulkner
Minister for Trade
The Hon Simon Crean, MP
Expansion of Shipbuilding at Williamstown...
DEVELOPERS MUST RESPECT THE CHARACTER OF OUR HISTORIC CITY
WE MUST HAVE COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT IN PLANNING....
The cultural and historical significance of Williamstown should not be underestimated, it starts long before the settlement of 1835 with the people of the Kulin Nations inhabiting the Point Gellibrand Peninsula for many centuries. The new arrivals of 1835 came from Tasmania by sea and chose the sheltered natural harbour to land and build their town, King William’s Town, later becoming Williamstown. Many early public buildings and homes still grace the town and the maritime and shipbuilding industries still remain after nearly two centuries.