Hobsons Bay Council officers asked to sign confidentiality agreements

A Shift in Communication: Council Limits Interaction with LXRP Staff

In a significant decision, the council resolved to rethink its communication strategy with the Level Crossing Removal Project (LXRP) staff. Moving forward, most interactions will now occur in written form, with face-to-face meetings restricted to only when absolutely necessary. According to Irving, a council representative, the primary goal of this new approach is to ensure transparency and clarity for the community regarding what is—and is not—being discussed between council staff and the LXRP team. By formalizing communication in writing, the council hopes to avoid misunderstandings and provide a clear record of interactions, which can be shared with residents if needed. However, this decision has sparked concerns among some stakeholders, who fear it could lead to a lack of timely information and potentially harm community trust.

Champion Road Closure Sparks Controversy

Under a state government plan, Champion Road is set to be permanently closed as part of the level crossing removal project. This decision has been met with strong opposition from local campaigners and council members alike. Hobsons Bay Mayor Daria Kellander expressed alarm over the situation, particularly after it came to light that council employees had been asked to sign non-disclosure agreements (NDAs). These agreements, she argued, would prevent staff from sharing important information with councillors and residents, undermining transparency. “If there is nothing to see, then there is nothing to hide,” Mayor Kellander said, emphasizing her belief that secrecy only fuels mistrust. Her concerns were echoed by Gill Gannon, a coordinator of the "Keep Champion Road Open" campaign, who described the situation as "disturbing" and criticized the state government’s handling of the project.

Community Outrage and Calls for Transparency

Gill Gannon has been leading the "Keep Champion Road Open" campaign since 2022 and has been a vocal advocate for the community’s concerns. She expressed frustration over the state government’s perceived “bloody-mindedness” in pushing forward with the project, despite significant community opposition. Her comments were prompted by the state government’s decision to proceed with the plan, even after Labor suffered a 16.5% swing in the recent Werribee state byelection—a clear indication of voter discontent. “The premier came out after the Werribee byelection and said they’re listening to the people of the west, but subsequent behaviours don’t reflect that,” Gannon said, accusing the government of failing to honor its commitment to listening to residents. While she commended the council for standing up to the government, she worried that the new communication strategy could backfire, potentially leaving the community in the dark and vulnerable to unintended consequences.

Campaigners Question Government Motives

Local campaigners, including Bea Tomlin and Gill Gannon, have been at the forefront of the opposition to the Champion Road closure. They argue that the government’s actions contradict its claims of being responsive to community concerns. Gannon pointed out that the state government’s insistence on proceeding with the project, despite overwhelming opposition, raises questions about its priorities and commitment to transparency. “It shouldn’t be necessary for the council to do this,” she said, referring to the council’s decision to limit its interactions with LXRP staff. “I worry that the community will be the collateral damage.” Her concerns were reinforced by the government’s refusal to consider alternative solutions, such as building an elevated sky rail or a trench under the road, which campaigners argue could have mitigated some of the impacts on local traffic and safety.

Political Pushback: Calls to Pause the Project

The controversy has also attracted the attention of federal and state politicians. Federal MP Tim Watts, whose seat of Gellibrand includes Newport and Williamstown, has called for the project to be paused in its current form. “This project would, at significant cost, diminish the utility of the local road network to our community,” Watts said, echoing the concerns of local residents. Meanwhile, senior Victorian minister and Williamstown MP Melissa Horne told state parliament’s lower house that the community was “vehemently opposed” to the closure of Champion Road. Horne urged the government to revisit the plan and work on improving its safety outcomes, acknowledging that the current proposal has failed to address the concerns of local stakeholders. Her comments suggest that there is growing pressure within the government to reconsider its approach and engage more meaningfully with the community.

Project Officials Defend Their Approach

In response to the criticism, a spokeswoman for the Level Crossing Removal Project defended the use of confidentiality agreements, describing them as standard practice during the planning phase when technical details are not yet finalized. “We regularly provide project updates to all key stakeholders, and we will continue to engage with them,” she said. The project aims to remove dangerous and congested level crossings, with the goal of making the Werribee Line completely free of level crossings by 2030. Early site works for the project began in December, with plans to block off Champion Road and divert traffic along an extension of Akuna Drive to Maddox Road, where the rail line will be elevated. Despite the opposition, project officials remain committed to moving forward, arguing that the removal of level crossings will improve safety and reduce congestion in the long run. However, the controversy surrounding Champion Road highlights the challenges of balancing infrastructure development with community concerns, a delicate balance that will likely continue to shape the debate in the months to come.