Controversial airport development prepares to demolish this man’s home
- Replies 17
Building infrastructures are a way to showcase progress in a certain area.
However, what happens if the promise of progress can also trample on the residents’ rights?
As the Western Sydney Airport development forges ahead, the landscape is undergoing a transformation, as are the lives of local residents.
Among the affected is 80-year-old Galliano Callegari, who dedicated decades to constructing his unique, Venetian-style castle.
The home, constructed purely by hand, stands on his property in Kemps Creek, which he purchased in 1975.
Mr Callegari's story is a testament to the power of hard work and vision.
He spent countless hours, often working 20-hour days, to provide for his family and to build his dream home, complete with a bridge, windmill, and an impressive 300-metre stone fence.
'The main house, all the stone came from Richmond quarry. I ordered 200 tonnes,' he shared, reflecting on the labour of love that has been his life's work.
'I have never seen anyone build what I've built with my hands. I invented everything.'
As construction for the new airport continued, infrastructure associated with the development threatened to dismantle parts of his creation.
Penrith Council planned to widen the rural roads surrounding the airport site to four lanes, which means land acquisition is an option.
With land acquisition, the potential demolition of Mr Callegari's beloved fence and bridge is also possible.
'Existing rural roads will be widened to facilitate the precinct's development, which will involve land acquisition along the current road corridor and road widening works,' a council spokesperson explained.
The council's statement highlighted the stark reality of progress versus preservation.
'The existing fence is located on the property's boundary, where the road is proposed to be widened, and will be impacted by future road works,' the spokesperson added.
The proceeding left Mr Callegari fighting to save his home—a physical manifestation of his dreams and sacrifices.
'Of course, if you build with your own hands and thought with your mind, it's very important,' he said.
'I want them to understand this is my life's sacrifice, my dream, my everything.'
This situation also raised broader questions about the cost of development.
As we witness the expansion of infrastructure to accommodate growing populations and economic opportunities, we must also consider the individual lives and histories overwritten in the process.
Mr Callegari's story is just one example of the personal toll that can accompany public progress.
Watch Mr Callegari's story here:
Source: 9News Sydney/Facebook
We must understand the importance of community and the deep connection to one's home, especially one built with dedication and care.
For those facing similar challenges, remember that there are often avenues for voicing concerns and seeking compensation or support through local councils and legal channels.
Have you or someone you know been affected by the recent airport development? What are your thoughts on Mr Callegari’s situation? Join the conversation and share your thoughts in the comments below.
However, what happens if the promise of progress can also trample on the residents’ rights?
As the Western Sydney Airport development forges ahead, the landscape is undergoing a transformation, as are the lives of local residents.
Among the affected is 80-year-old Galliano Callegari, who dedicated decades to constructing his unique, Venetian-style castle.
The home, constructed purely by hand, stands on his property in Kemps Creek, which he purchased in 1975.
Galliano Callegari's Venetian home was endangered due to recent airport developments in West Sydney. Image Credit: Facebook/9News
Mr Callegari's story is a testament to the power of hard work and vision.
He spent countless hours, often working 20-hour days, to provide for his family and to build his dream home, complete with a bridge, windmill, and an impressive 300-metre stone fence.
'The main house, all the stone came from Richmond quarry. I ordered 200 tonnes,' he shared, reflecting on the labour of love that has been his life's work.
'I have never seen anyone build what I've built with my hands. I invented everything.'
As construction for the new airport continued, infrastructure associated with the development threatened to dismantle parts of his creation.
Penrith Council planned to widen the rural roads surrounding the airport site to four lanes, which means land acquisition is an option.
With land acquisition, the potential demolition of Mr Callegari's beloved fence and bridge is also possible.
'Existing rural roads will be widened to facilitate the precinct's development, which will involve land acquisition along the current road corridor and road widening works,' a council spokesperson explained.
The council's statement highlighted the stark reality of progress versus preservation.
'The existing fence is located on the property's boundary, where the road is proposed to be widened, and will be impacted by future road works,' the spokesperson added.
The proceeding left Mr Callegari fighting to save his home—a physical manifestation of his dreams and sacrifices.
'Of course, if you build with your own hands and thought with your mind, it's very important,' he said.
'I want them to understand this is my life's sacrifice, my dream, my everything.'
This situation also raised broader questions about the cost of development.
As we witness the expansion of infrastructure to accommodate growing populations and economic opportunities, we must also consider the individual lives and histories overwritten in the process.
Mr Callegari's story is just one example of the personal toll that can accompany public progress.
Watch Mr Callegari's story here:
Source: 9News Sydney/Facebook
We must understand the importance of community and the deep connection to one's home, especially one built with dedication and care.
For those facing similar challenges, remember that there are often avenues for voicing concerns and seeking compensation or support through local councils and legal channels.
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