Group opposed to Westbury development take their message to Parliament

Residents opposed to a prison development 2km outside their town centre have visited Hobart to spread their message.

Westbury residents Susan, Emma and Martin Hamilton at the rally on Parliament Lawns in relation to the proposed new prison at Westbury. Picture: NIKKI DAVIS-JONES

A GROUP of Westbury residents opposed to a prison development in the town have vowed to continue protesting until the project is stopped.

About 25 opponents gathered outside Parliament today to make their voice heard.

Group member Heather Donaldson said she would continue to oppose the project for “as long as it takes”.

“We need to just remind them that we’re still here, that we are still fighting and that we are determined to stop this prison,” she said.

“Just in case they’ve forgotten, although they’re not really hearing us anyway.”

The demonstration saw the group bring 75 helium balloons, one for every 10 of the 750 people who signed the petition against the development.

Mrs Donaldson said the balloons were in green white and orange, representing Westbury’s Irish history, tourism and the town’s St Patrick’s festival.

She said the community did not believe it had been properly consulted.

“We’ve been told we’re getting it whether we like it or whether we don’t,” she said.

“They keep saying this is not the final site, this is the preferred site, but when we ask where the other preferred sites are .... we’re not sure there’s another site left.”

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Liberal MP for Lyons John Tucker speaks with Rebecca Donaldson, of Hobart, who grew up in Westbury and is concerned about the proposed prison. Picture: NIKKI DAVIS-JONES

Mrs Donaldson said she was concerned how the new anti-protest laws, which passed the Lower House last month, would affect potential future protest efforts.

Corrections Minister Elise Archer in September announced an industrial site 2km from the village centre was the Government’s preferred location for the 275-bed jail.

Hundreds attended a protest on the prison proposal in the town in October.

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Mrs Donaldson said she understood Ms Archer would visit Westbury on December 16 to meet with residents.

Liberal MP for Lyons John Tucker visited the group during today’s demonstration.

A Government spokesman said Ms Archer was not extended an invitation to meet with Westbury residents today, but said she was looking forward to upcoming consultation.

“This includes a series of one-on-one or small group engagement meetings with community members, direct consultation with local business and an open public meeting which is scheduled for 16 December,” the spokesman said.