Jo Haylen, Member for Summer Hill, today welcomed the news that Optus will not install a telecommunications tower in Ashfield Park.

At the same time, Ms Haylen called on the Baird Government to abandon plans for intrusive variable message signs (VMS) in front Ashfield Park for Westconnex.

Since 1871, Ashfield Park has provided precious open green space in the inner west and in 1986 was recognised for its heritage significance.

The former Ashfield Council was told of the plans for a telecommunications tower and the VMS shortly before it was amalgamated. The Council was advised that Optus intended to relocate its tower to Ashfield Park, as it had to be re-located from its previous location due to WestConnex.

Ms Haylen received the good news from Optus after making representations to the Managing Director to abandon plans for a tower in the park.

The Minister for Roads, Duncan Gay, has written to confirm that Sydney Motorway Corporation is negotiating the location of the signs near Ashfield Park.

Quotes attributable to Jo Haylen, Member for Summer Hill

“This is fantastic news from Optus for the inner west, at a time when we all need some good news.

“I thank Optus for acknowledging the importance of the park and I share the community’s excitement at the news.

“The Government should take a leaf from Optus’ book and keep their promise to save Ashfield Park from the impact of Westconnex.

“The hoarding around the construction sites boast that there’s no impact on the park from Westconnex. The Government should stick to its promise and abandon plans for these ugly and intrusive variable message signs.

“The inner west has lost enough heritage already to Westconnex. Enough is enough.”

Quotes from   Ruth Nelson, Save Ashfield Park

“Ashfield residents are thrilled to hear there’ll be no telecommunications tower in Ashfield Park.

“The construction for Westconnex is tearing up our suburbs all around the park and there’s more need than ever for an oasis from the noise, dust and destruction.

“Ashfield Park has been a mainstay for inner west residents since 1871 and the signs rumoured to be going in at the front of the park would be vandalism plain and simple.

“We’ve got to preserve the park for future generations. The news from Optus is a great start, but I’d like to see the Baird Government keep its word and leave Ashfield Park alone."