Key infrastructure projects exempt from construction ban shut down

Critical major projects that were set to keep running during the construction ban have been closed amid fears workers would be targeted.

Eleven “critical” infrastructure projects that were to be excluded from a statewide construction ban have been shut down over fears workers would be targeted by protesters.

In a fiery online meeting with government ministers on Monday night, the CFMEU and all other building unions unanimously argued against the multibillion-dollar projects remaining open.

They said workers going to those jobs could be abused and labelled “scabs” by volatile protesters, and this could lead to dangerous clashes.

Unions leaders also conceded they had “lost control” of anti-vaxxers who smashed up the CFMEU’s head office on Monday, amid fears of longer term damage to the industry.

Ministers agreed to freeze the government’s entire Big Build, and the plan to keep 11 critical projects open was shelved.

Some of the sites included level crossing removals, Health Department projects, and the new Hotel Quarantine hub being built in Melbourne’s north.

Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews in July while touring the removal of an Edithvale level crossing. Picture David Crosling.

The decision is likely to cost millions of dollars in overruns and delays, and will put pressure on the quarantine site in Mickleham being able to take its first guests in January.

Another flow-on from the chaos will be families impacted by level crossing removals, who are stranded in temporary accommodation.

Up to 700 households impacted by noise and dust were shifted to short-term rentals, and have now been told they can stay where they are, or can return home for a fortnight before moving out again.

Local roads will also remain closed despite no work occurring.

During the at times “surreal” late-night hook up of about 100 people on Monday night, union leaders including Ben Davis from the Australian Workers’ Union and CFMEU senior vice president Joe Myles railed against the way the Department of Health sprung orders on the industry last week.

That action shut lunch rooms and put in place a mandatory vaccination scheme.

The unions claimed they weren’t consulted about the plan by health officials, and this had caused massive problems across the industry.

Mr Setka, who was eating a pizza at one stage while addressing the meeting, conceded the situation on Monday had spun out of control.
On Tuesday, the angry construction workers and protesters clashed with police for the second day running.

“I have never seen anything like it,” one industry source said.

“No one is sure how long it will last.”

A skeleton crew will be allowed on the 11 critical work sites on Wednesday to continue to make them secure.

Some workers will be allowed on site to maintain safety.

Level Crossing Removal Project chief executive Kevin Devlin said projects where rail lines have been shut down take longer to make safe, and that security will be in place during the fortnight.

“We appreciate everyone’s patience while we work to reschedule our planned works. More information will be shared with local communities once new disruption dates are confirmed,” he said.

A large number of roads will remain out of action during the fortnight shutdown, due to the difficulty in opening and closing key routes.

This includes lanes of Grieve Parade, Princes Freeway, and Williamstown Rd ramps along the West Gate Freeway.

A full list has been published by the Department of Transport.

Originally published as Key infrastructure projects exempt from construction ban shut down