East West Link houses empty: People ordered out of $1.1 billion squat

SQUATTERS who moved into inner-city Melbourne homes after the East West Link was dumped have been ordered by police to leave.

Joel Bynon tears up an eviction notice. Picture: Norm Oorloff

SQUATTERS who moved into inner-city Melbourne homes after the East West Link was dumped have been ordered by police to leave.

The Herald Sun can reveal that notices to vacate have been served on several people who have taken up residence in Collingwood properties.

The houses were acquired by the state when the Link contract was signed.

But after Premier Daniel Andrews sensationally scrapped the Link on winning power in 2014 — costing Victorians $1.1 billion — the former owners chose not to buy them back, and the squatters moved in.

The government has since waited for the squatters to leave so that the properties can be cleaned and repaired for a community agency to use as public housing.

But squatters, some of whom have gone to some pains to make their new homes cosy, have vowed their fight to remain “is not going to end” if police evict them.

Protest signs along Bendigo St, Collingwood. Picture: Norm Oorloff

Inside 8 Bendigo St. Picture: Norm Oorloff

Resident Joel Bynon, who said squatting “ain’t no free ride” because of the risk of trespass charges, said police were being used to “stifle” the voice of Victorians with “valid and legitimate concerns”.

Leading Senior Constable Kendra Jackson, for Victoria Police, confirmed that trespass warnings had been issued in Collingwood.

“The occupants of the property will be given reasonable time to vacate and are being offered assistance in finding further suitable housing,” she said.

Housing Minister Martin Foley said properties had been leased for the Salvation Army to house the needy, including women and children fleeing family violence.

“These people occupying Bendigo St have been standing in the way for works to be done so the home can become available to a family that needs it,” Mr Foley said.

“It is time they left.”

The Homeless Persons Union of Victoria said up to 40 people were in the homes.

A member said: “The struggle … doesn’t end here.

“(These houses) belong to the Victorian people and they have no right to evict anyone, especially people in need.

“We are not asking for these to be free. We want people on the public housing waiting list to have first dibs.”

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