MARIBYRNONG and Brimbank residents urged the West to stand up and fight the WestLink freeway and tunnel on Saturday, as the State Government launched a $10 million planning study into the project.

Scores of residents filled Footscray’s Nicholson St Mall in a show of opposition against the proposed connection, which will link the Port of Melbourne to the Western Ring Road.

Debbi Woods from the Brimbank Transport Action Group wore a dust mask and black clothing to represent the death of democracy in the West.

“What about all the pollution? What about all the noise this will create for our community?

“They’re not listening to us … the community, the people that live here.

“We’ve got a big fight on our hands.”

The State Government last week pledged $10 million towards a two-and-a-half-year planning study and consultation process.

“The community will play a significant role in this project, including feedback on the release of a number of potential route options, expected in the middle of next year,” Derrimut MP Telmo Languiller said.

But former Maribyrnong councillor and public transport advocate Janet Rice said the State Government’s consultation process would be a complete farce.

Ms Rice called on residents to use next year’s State Government election to their advantage.

“These seats aren’t as safe as they used to be,” she said.

“We don’t need a new tunnel. We don’t need a new freeway. The roads we have now are enough.”

Residents in Sunshine and West Footscray fear the route will wipe out hundreds of homes, despite the State Government promising otherwise.

“How can they tell us that no houses will be taken, if they can’t tell us the route?” Clare O’Sullivan from No Freeway 4 West Footscray asked.