25 November 2005 Victory for the Disabled - Victorious Ferguson Lodge Residents Thank the CFMEU Several months ago Unions New South Wales endorsed a CFMEU Green Ban on the demolition of a residential facility for 24 people with disabilities. These people experience a range of severe spinal injuries, including paraplegia and quadriplegia. Their home is known as Ferguson Lodge, and is situated at Lidcombe, in the midst of a major new residential development. It was the intention of Paraquad - the non-government administrators of this facility to close the facility and relocate the residents - despite the residents’ objections. The residents' care was to be reduced from full time to just 37 hours per week, and in the relocation process, they would have lost contact with each other. This led to the CFMEU imposing a Green Ban on the Ferguson Lodge site until an outcome suitable to the residents was reached. The NSW Greens were active in campaigning for the residents and supporting the CFMEU Green Ban. The residents themselves were also active in the campaign to remain as a group in Lidcombe, their home suburb for many years. They petitioned, handed out leaflets to other local residents and businesses, they also sought the support of various parliamentarians. This week the residents won their battle to remain in Lidcombe, with the State Government agreeing to allocate funds for the construction of a new Ferguson Lodge, adjacent to the existing property. The CFMEU congratulated them in their efforts. In response, Bruce Bennedick one of the spokespersons for the group wrote to the Sydney Morning Herald: The residents of Ferguson Lodge at Lidcombe, join in opposition to Howard’s new Industrial Laws. Ferguson Lodge is home to twenty four people with disabilities who experience a range of severe spinal injuries, including paraplegica and quadriplegica. When we were faced with eviction and relocation into the community (to make way for luxury housing) it was the Construction, Forestry, Mining & Energy Union and a union Green Ban that helped us - not the Prime Minister. Arising from the union ban, New South Wales politicians found the money to allow us to stay together and maintain our friendships, and levels of healthcare, and also our involvement in our local community. Strong trade unions are important for workers, but vital to the broader community, when politicians and bureaucrats make mistakes and must be challenged. [ more news ]