Tensions rising over light rail route: government still to hear residents' concerns

TENSIONS about the Surry Hills light rail route continue to rise.

Lilght rail up Devonshire St

TENSIONS about the Surry Hills light rail route are growing, with the State Government yet to meet with residents to hear their concerns.

Labor Cr Linda Scott told Monday's meeting that one resident's house was spray painted with abuse after they publicly opposed the project.

The Courier understands a terrace house on Parkham St was spray painted with the word "NIMBY", or "not in my back yard".

Cr Scott urged Transport Minister Gladys Berejiklian to meet with residents to address their concerns.

"I cannot support council handing over $40 million for a project that's ultimately going to jeopardise people's houses, when the minister won't even come and meet with the community of Surry Hills," Cr Scott said.

"It's only the just thing to do before bulldozing their front door."

Liberal Cr Christine Forster said Ms Berejiklian told a recent council briefing that consultation would start "within weeks".

Action group People Unite Surry Hills will launch its petition at an emergency meeting tomorrow.

The group is hoping to attract 10,000 written signatures for the petition, which calls for a "sustainable southeast light rail route".

"We're not here to obstruct anything that makes sense," said the PUSH group's founder, Venietta Slama-Powell.