[Greens-Media] Lansdowne residents take heart at court ruling

[Mithra Cox]

MEDIA RELEASE
21st March 2005

Lansdowne residents take heart at court ruling

Lansdowne caravan park residents have won a moral victory over the
developer Meriton, in a court ruling today that the social impacts of
closing the park warranted the residents being given standing in their
court case against the developer, Greens MP Sylvia Hale said today.

This win is the first victory in the war to save residents homes, Ms
Hale said.

The judge ruled that the social impacts of Meritons attempt to close
down and redevelop the park were sufficient to warrant the residents
being represented in court.

This ruling means that the residents will be able to have a solicitor
present at court hearings, and they will have the ability to call
witnesses.

Todays decision demonstrates the significant detrimental social impact
that closing the park will have on the area.

Many residents would have nowhere to go if the park were to close.

The decision is a significant win for residents who are fighting for
their homes, Ms Hale said.