Save Ballarrt Mooroop College Campaign Update: (15th August 2011)

Workers returned to the site today still without a Traffic Management Plan endorsed by Council - This is a breach of OH&S. The workers requested Police protection! (while they are breaching the OH&S law!) - They seemed to think that if a Traffic Management Plan is being worked on they can still work there. 'Work Safe' have been advised and are sending an Inspector to the site.

Local residents who parked their cars in Trevannion and Hilton Street corner earlier today have been requested by police, to move them. - CFMEU have also been advised that the workers are in breach of OH&S.

Sunday 14th August Gathering Report: The people on the picket line need urgent support as those holding the fort are getting tired - anyone that can help in this way will be very welcome. They now have an internet connected computer on site, so communications and co-ordination will be improved.

Our local residents canvassers have reported that the surrounding land holders are angry about losing their open recreational space and they don't like the way the Education Department is seen to have set up one disadvantaged group against the other. Local residents have been quite willing to sign the petition.

A working group was created to coordinate activities on the site, a strategy was devised for the site and the Union will be updated on the current situation. A Rally in the central business district is being considered for the near future.

Site Development Update: The entire parklands and oval have been fenced off. Security guards are patrolling 24/7. Supporters have been told that anyone going into the park will be unlawfully trespassing.

The building site transportables have been placed on the Trevannion Street and Heather Court corner of the site but are not yet connected to plumbling, power and telephone services. Protesters are still protecting the cultural area and the gymnasium.

BMC is calling for more community support to stop this outrageous injustice. Blockade Sit-in starts at 6:00am daily. If you can't join the protesters please send emails and letters to Minister Dixon, Media outlets and anyone else that you feel may have some influence.

About the Protest: Whilst BMC was planning to further meet the needs of Victorian Indigenous educationally disengaged children and youths, the Government and the Glenroy Specialist School were holding secret meetings to not only poach BMC's adjacent sporting and community open space reserves, but to bulldoze the school's cultural precinct and the multi purpose building; A Gymnasium and 'Gathering Place'.

During a mediation process which developed a 'compromised draft plan' between the two schools, the Victorian Government completely undermined the outcomes and ordered the GSS original plan to be built.

Update reposted from the campaign website at: http://ballerrtmooroop.org/