By Cameron Weston
SPOTSWOOD residents living next to the West Gate Freeway last week received the news they have been waiting for: they can keep their homes.
VicRoads contacted residents living along the southern edge of the freeway to inform them that “no properties will be acquired in the Spotswood area as part of the widening of the West Gate Freeway”.
The roads authority had previously raised the possibility of compulsorily acquiring land next to the freeway for the M1 freeway widening project.
Pauline Beaton, who was facing the possibility of losing the home she helped build more than 60 years ago, said the news ended months of uncertainty.
“I had no idea what was happening,” she said. “When the lass (from VicRoads) told me on the phone, I just broke down. It was beautiful.
“I don’t have to worry now. My worry was, where was I going to go?
“I’ve been here for over 60 years and it’s a bit hard to replace that.”
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John Cunningham, project director of the redevelopment project, said the decision not to acquire land in Spotswood followed detailed land surveys and preliminary design work.
“This is a good outcome for all involved and VicRoads will now continue with the detailed planning required for a project of this magnitude,” he said.
Premier Steve Bracks, the member for Williamstown, said he could now offer residents a “guarantee that no properties will be affected” in Spotswood.
“I was confident based on my advice at the time that compulsory acquisitions should not be necessary,” Mr Bracks said.
“It is pleasing that VicRoads was able to take on board feedback from the community and from Hobsons Bay Council, and moved swiftly to ease local concerns.”
