Residents of Galaxy Caravan Park in Tanah Merah remain anxious, after news that Transport and Main Roads will be resuming the park.
The caravan park which has been owned by the Turner family since 1974, will be resumed for the construction of a new intersection and overpass in conjunction with a massive project to widen the M1.
David Lambert, who is helping residents, said they were concerned mostly about where they would be able to go.
“There are around 100 people living in this park,” he said.
“A lot of them are worried they will be thrown out onto the streets and become homeless, because the rental market is terrible at the moment, and we are already seeing a housing crisis.
“Many of the residents have suffered health wise from this, and mentally with anxiety and depression – they need some sort of help.”
A few years ago, Mr Lambert was living in a unit complex which was resumed by TMR to widen the M1 and M3 gateway merge.
“It was a bloody mess with noise and dust and many of us had nowhere to go, residents were scared about their future,” he said.
However, “in less than 4 months I was negotiating a settlement for residents and under injurious affection we got compensated, we also got compensation for a stuff up on their behalf in re-titling the land.
“I want to fight for these people in the same way, because I have gone through this and understand the pain they are going through. I want them to know they aren’t alone in this.”
While Galaxy Caravan Park is still in the process of resumption, Jarragah Villas next door has already been bought.
“I understand the infrastructure is needed, especially with the Olympic Games coming here in 9 years’ time, but TMR has no compassion and the government needs to step up,” he said.
“I’m trying to get the council to see that these people need counselling for this, they need help and someone to talk too, not just someone to say, ‘oh well bad luck you’re on your own’.”
“There needs to be a better process here.”
Mr Lambert will be using the same solicitor, valuer, and media advisor from his case, to help him with Galaxy Caravan Park’s fight against TMR.
