Final squatters evicted from Bendigo St Collingwood, East West Link homes

UPDATE: THE final three homes in Bendigo St, Collingwood have been cleared of squatters.

A female supporter at Bendigo Street. Picture: David Smith

MORE than 50 police moved into Collingwood’s Bendigo St to clear the street of the last three remaining squatters.

Residents say police arrived shortly after 9am today to assist the State Government and the Sheriff’s Office with the execution of warrants at three addresses.

A Victoria Police spokeswoman said a man who was not staying in one of the homes was briefly detained for breach of the peace, but was released a short time later.

She said the three people evicted from the homes left upon request.

“Victoria Police attended Bendigo Street Collingwood today to assist the Department of Economic Development, Jobs, Transport and Resources and the Sheriff’s office with the execution of three warrants of possession,” the spokeswoman said.

The last of the Bendigo St squatters are evacuated. Picture: David Smith.

A female supporter at Bendigo St. Picture: David Smith.

“Victoria Police continues to work with stakeholders including DHHS, the Salvation Army, and the Fitzroy Legal Service to link those experiencing homelessness with support services and accommodation.

“The safety of the entire community, including the homeless, is our highest priority.”

As soon as the properties had been vacated, removalists arrived to clear the homes of discarded possessions while locksmiths changed the locks.

Security guards were also called to keep watch and prevent the squatters from gaining re-entry.

Today’s move marks an end to a year of misery for Bendigo St residents, who have had to endure unsociable behaviour since the squatters moved in.

Keith Fitzgerald, who has lived in Bendigo Street since 1944, said the street could now return to normal.

“After 236 days, our street is back in our hands,” he said.

“I would like to commend the legal residents of Bendigo St who toughed it out and decided to stay and fight for the integrity, peace and security of their neighbourhood.

“After 236 days of social dysfunction, our street can now return to normality.”

The homes were originally compulsory acquired by the Coalition Government to be demolished for the proposed East-West Link but squatters took them over shortly after the project was abandoned by the new Labor Government.

Department of Economic Development, Jobs, Transport and Resources spokesman Andrew Bartram said the department has now regained possession of all illegally occupied properties on Bendigo St.

“We recognise the occupations have been a great challenge for nearby residents and are pleased this matter has been resolved,” Mr Bartram said.

“We also thank the authorities involved in recovering the properties.”

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@AndyJeffo

One squatter was arrested & handcuffed after final three were evicted from Bendigo st homes in #Collingwood.. #7News pic.twitter.com/eyXudQ0Gq6

— Kristy Mayr (@KristyMayr7) November 23, 2016