Wednesday, 25 May 2005 EMBARGOED 10am Thursday, 26 May 2005 CFMEU places ‘red and green’ ban on Redfern Oval An interim ‘red and green’ ban on Redfern Oval to be announced today will halt Lord Mayor Clover Moore’s planned redevelopment of the Rabbitohs traditional home ground. The Construction Forestry Mining Energy Union has implemented the ban in response to requests from workers, residents, the indigenous community and the Rabbitohs club and fans. CFMEU NSW Secretary Andrew Ferguson said this ban is about protecting Redfern Oval’s heritage, and making sure adequate active recreation facilities exist for inner city youth. “The CFMEU has a simple message for Clover Moore, we have placed a ‘red and green’ ban on Redfern Oval, there will be no redevelopment, no demolition, no construction, not until the community are properly consulted,” he said. “Redfern Oval already sits next to a public park, but locals avoid it because it is unsafe. What the residents want is proper sporting facilities to provide a safe venue for active recreation by kids from local clubs and schools. “Every alternative plan that has aimed to provide a first class venue for active sport and recreation, to include community facilities, and to bring the Rabbitohs home has been ignored, and the CFMEU will not allow the Lord Mayor to trample the interests of Redfern residents.” CFMEU Media Conference Andrew Ferguson, with local sporting and community representatives 10am, Thursday 26 May 2005 Sydney Set Room, Level 1, South Sydney Leagues Club 265 Chalmers St, Redfern Media contact: Tim Vollmer (CFMEU Media Officer) 0404 273 313 Andrew Ferguson (CFMEU NSW Sec.) 0412 511 994 [ more news ]