With major works underway on the West Gate Tunnel, local residents are being kept up to date and helping shape the project through Community Liaison Groups (CLGs). Two CLGs have been set up – one for the north of the project and one for the west – with representatives from Melbourne’s west, local community groups, local councils and business groups.
The first CLG meeting was held in June, and saw members share local knowledge and provide feedback to the project team. Tony Le-Nguyen represents Footscray on the CLG and has lived in the area for over 20 years. Tony spends most of his spare time doing voluntary work in the west and chooses roles that have meaning and purpose.
From starring in Romper Stomper with Russell Crowe to teaching high school students, Tony has had a diverse and rewarding career working as an actor, writer, director and teacher, as well as being the first Vietnamese Australian appointed as an Independent Prison Visitor in Victoria.
In 1995, with the support of the Footscray Community Arts Centre, Tony founded Australian Vietnamese Youth Media, a non-profit organisation that provides opportunities for young Australians from Vietnamese backgrounds.
Tony joined the West Gate Tunnel Project CLG to continue helping his community and ensure that local residents and businesses are front of mind during construction.
‘I am really interested in major projects that will transform the way we move around the city,’ Tony said.
‘While major projects cause disruption, I understand a lot of work goes into making sure the impacts are reduced as much as possible.’
Hosted by an Independent Chair, the CLG provides members with a forum to pose questions to the project team and share feedback from their local community.
‘I will not be afraid to ask questions, share my local knowledge with the project team and challenge them on matters related to the Footscray community.’ Tony said.
The new CLGs build on the success of the CLG for the West Gate Tunnel Project’s planning phase through 2016 and 2017.
Members played a key role in identifying opportunities to get the most out of the project.
The group, in addition to those who made formal submissions, advocated on behalf of the community, and were instrumental in making changes to the final project design including open space upgrades, better walking and cycling facilities and tougher new noise standards.
People are encouraged to get in contact with their local Community Liaison Group members if they want to find out more about the project or pass feedback on. For more information, visit http://westgatetunnelproject.vic.gov.au/clg/
