Beaches Link and Gore Hill Freeway Connection

I oppose the Beaches Link project.

It will have a major impact upon Manly Dam Reserve. I work as a volunteer bushland regenerator at Mermaid Pool and have put a lot of effort into removing weeds and helping the native bushland to recover.

One of the big problems we have at Mermaid Pool is runoff from Mona Vale Public School which expanded its grounds recently. This involved removing a large amount of native bushland. The result has been that lots of silt now flows into Manly Creek, making the water at Mermaid Pool brown.

The silt also builds up along the river. It carries weed seeds with it and weeds grow all along the stream. We have to remove these weeds by hand.

The Beaches Link project will make this problem much worse and cause more damage. Wakehurst Parkway is now a nice road because it does not impact upon the bush. Of course it would be better if fewer people used it and there was the option to catch a train to the city. However, now with the road at 2 lanes wide, the damage to the bush is minimal compared to what it will be when widened to 4-6 lanes.

The new widened Wakehurst Parkway will cause runoff to flow through the bush, scouring the land. The swales to stop the water are too small. They will overflow every month. The water will dig out the ground and put more sediment into the stream. The whole road will be a new access point for weeds to enter Manly Dam Reserve. They will grow in the scoured cuts through the landscape and their seeds will be carried into the waterway.

The wide road will damage the aboriginal carvings with water runoff. These carvings are amazing. They tell us of a time when there was plenty of wildlife in the area and all sorts of bush tucker. These are among the most valuable artworks in the Manly area. Where else can you find artwork that will be appreciated in 100, 500 or 1000 years. These carvings are real Australian, true blue Aussie art. We cannot afford to lose them just to make a great big road for construction trucks.

The lights along Wakehurst Parkway will keep all the animals awake at night. They will move away from the area. Night time animals such as the pygmy possum and climbing galaxias will not want to move around in the lights because predators such as owls will see them better and eat them. The lights will be a disaster for the animal population of Manly Dam and Bantry Bay area.

In the Burnt Bridge Creek area there are lots of bats. These bats are essential for pollination and seed dispersal for many tree species. Without them, whole forests will die out. Bats are wonderful creatures and it always exciting to see them flying around at night. They are friendly and many people feed and raise them. They require a water source to live and trees to perch on. This project will remove water from Burnt Bridge Creek and Balgowlah Golf Course as well as cut down many trees and shine light over the area where the bats live. This puts their lives in danger. Outside of Sydney it is difficult for bats to live because many farmers hate them and make their lives difficult. We need to protect them in the cities. Ironically, in the future, the cities will be the refuges of wildlife since it will become extinct in the country. We need to protect the bats. This means this road must not be so big or destructive. Now it is too big and will harm the bat colony.

If this Beaches Link project is going to go ahead, it must be much smaller. Put in a train line instead. Keep car numbers low. Keep the Northern Beaches a nice place to live, not a noisy industrial area full of highways and trucks. Look after the environment. The world does not need more cars. It needs care for the environment. We need transport solutions but we don’t want more cars. Bring us the train line, let us travel around without contributing more CO2 to the environment.

The government should be working for the long term interests of the people. Instead of building old fashioned roads, we should be looking to the future, for carbon neutral transport solutions.

Also, the crossing at Middle Harbour is going to send pollution all around the beaches there. I love swimming at the nearby beaches, especially Balmoral. If toxic sludge is released by this project, all the fish and sea life that I love so much will be affected. We have already seen this happen in other places. Our seas are fragile and cannot take all the abuse that we are giving them. The digging and cofferdams will cause too much damage.

This project is a missed opportunity to transform Sydney into a world class, healthy and sustainable city with a strong public transport system.

The EIS demonstrates that this toll road will be extremely expensive to build and high risk (particularly to health and the environment) with little benefit. I would ask that an alternative public transport feasibility study be published before any further planning occurs so that impacts and outcomes can be fairly compared. I have significant concerns about the justification for this project particularly given that there is no published business case and an apparent lack of support in the local community. As the project is not high on Infrastructure Australia’s priority list I request that the EIS is reissued for public consultation with 1) a full Phase 2 Contamination Assessment completed; 2) a comparative mass transit alternative assessment and 3) travel times, surface traffic changes and costs fully scoped (ie a business case).

More specifically, I object to the project for the following reasons:

1. I object to the project due to the risks it presents to the environment and human health. Unfiltered stacks near schools and residential areas are completely unacceptable. The air quality data in the EIS is circumspect at best and cannot be seen to guarantee zero impact on the health of the community. Our children and the broader community should not be put at risk for an unnecessary toll road which will only encourage private vehicle use and further pollution (I note the project has a poor climate profile at a time when we should be looking at projects which reduce our emissions). The health risks are further worsened and have an unreasonable level of impact on the quality of life of residents during construction and operation due to the noise, dust, disruption and stress created by the project.

2. I object to the project due to its potential adverse impact on Manly Dam and surrounds. It is imperative that this area is preserved with zero impact from the construction or ongoing operation of the tunnel. As well as the danger to local, and in some cases endangered, flora and fauna, the Dam provides a place for recreation for the local community. The dam (for swimming etc), walking trails and mountain bike trail should remain open, safe and undamaged throughout any construction.

3. I object to the project as it is not a solution to local congestion and makes local roads less safe as it encourages more private vehicles onto the roads and tolls will encourage rat runs to avoid the tolls. Again the minimal impact on relieving congestion indicated in the EIS brings into question the need for the project at a time when more environmentally friendly alternatives should be explored. Further, the EIS needs to be updated to take into account the impacts of COVID-19 on people's movement patterns and needs for transport; this will require additional studies to be undertaken over the coming years.

4. I object to the project due to its impact on our green spaces and biodiversity. In addition to Manly Dam, Middle Harbour and Burnt Bridge Creek should also be protected so that the related ecosystems are not threatened. Biodiversity offsetting is completely inappropriate as a mitigation for the damage to be done to the local area. The local area should be preserved. Consideration could be given to moving the tunnel entrances further north away from Burnt Bridge Creek and from Manly Dam.

In closing, I think it is imperative that other alternatives are considered. I request that further work is undertaken and presented in a revised EIS which considers an analysis of the effect the B-line has had in relieving congestion, an analysis of the likely effect on congestion a B-line type service connecting Dee Why to the metro at Chatswood would have on reducing congestion and a full comparative analysis of a mass transit alternatives ie between Dee Why and Chatswood to take commuter traffic off local roads (e.g. an extension of the metro from Chatswood to Dee Why via Frenchs Forest, similar to the suggestion on the 2001 Christie Report).

I also note that it seems inappropriate to have run this process during 2020 given the challenges many people faced. It would seem appropriate to address the concerns raised in submissions and undertake further research work with a view to re-exhibiting the project and reissuing an updated EIS for public consultation in due course when life returns to the new normal and the permanent impacts of COVID are understood.

I am a Lane Cove resident.
I am opposed to the Beaches Link and Gore Hill Freeway Connection because it will make traffic worse in Lane Cove. There will be more cars coming in and it will be harder to get out.
The removal of the clearway on the Gore Hill Freeway will make bus trips to the city slower.
Please reconsider this project. Stop the over development of the road system and provide us with better rail transport.

I am deeply concerned that the construction of the Beaches Link Project in Middle Harbour will significantly impact the Northbridge Sailing Club (NSC).

1. BACKGROUND TO NSC

NSC is a community sailing club reliant on club members and volunteers to contribute their time and skills for development of sailors, club management, and ongoing maintenance of club facilities. It has a wonderful family friendly atmosphere and environment.

NSC focuses on activities including "learn-to-sail" courses (including children as young as 7 years old) and sailing, training and racing for graduates, more experienced juniors and adults.

As a parent of a young child that recently grabbed their opportunity to learn to sail at NSC, it has been amazing to see the joy and self-confidence that developing sailing skills has brought them as they take responsibility to “captain their own boat” venturing out into the beautiful waters of Middle Harbour with the assistance of enthusiastic young instructors. I hope many more children can have this priceless experience in the future.

2. SIGNIFICANT IMPACT ON NSC OF BEACHES LINK

The Beaches Link project will significantly impact NSC with potentially profound consequences. In particular, the maritime works associated with the submerged tunnels (including cofferdams, dredging, temporary storage and mooring facility east of Clive Park, and temporary relocation of moorings), and particularly navigation restrictions including exclusion zones, will significantly restrict the ability to sail or race in the logical areas currently used by NSC in Middle Harbour to the east and south of the club.

This significantly limits the ability of NSC to conduct sailing activities adjacent to the club and to set appropriate sailing courses based on the wind conditions.

The nearest beaches to NSC (at Clive Park and on the western side of The Spit) will also be inaccessible as a result of the works. These beaches are regularly used by learner sailors and juniors for capsize training, beach landing/launching practice, as a rest or lunch break while sailing, and also as a destination for “adventure sails” which are a popular event among learn-to-sail participants and juniors.

3. CONCLUSION

The Beaches Link Project will significantly impact NSC. As a consequence of these impacts, there will be reduced attractiveness for sailing at NSC and likely reduced participation (by both existing and prospective participants). This is likely to have long-term consequences for the club including reduced membership which puts the viability of NSC at risk.

I request there be urgent consultation in good faith with NSC, to assist in mitigating the adverse effects of construction and ensuring NSC remains a viable community institution to continue developing sailors into the future.

To Whom It MAy Concern,
I object to this 'beaches Tunnel' project going ahead on several counts. namely the EIS is out of date due to COVID impact, the primary objective for the tunnel is biased away from public transport options and the project is too expensive and environmentally damaging sydney's precious natural habitat and waterways. I am concerned about the impact on local wildlife and waterways as well as the possible impact of the pollution on health.
I recommend a complete review of the original process in which ALL options are considered and compared to find the best way to approach perceived traffic congestion. I suggest that public transport options be reviewed and considered as a priority. I recommend an investigation into the original conception of the idea from Mike baird's time as premier and any undue bias towards road/tunnel projects over more viable public transport options. I strongly oppose Flat rock gully as main dig site as it has undergone amazing regeneration the past few decades to the extent that is now a native wildlife corridor of major significance and as such should be protected.when the net outcome of relatively small reductions in travel times data is evident.

As a frequent user of cycle paths in the Naremburn Artarmon area I strongly object to the severe impact to the Gore Hill Cycleway shared path access during construction at the Artarmon Work Site. The EIS proposed alternate route is totally inadequate as a safe detour. This must be rectified by the EIS project team.

In addition, it is requested that the Herbert St / Hampden St over bridge work include upgrade to have a safe cycle access route on each side of the road. This an important link between Artarmon and St Leonards railway stations and also connects to the Gore Hill shared path at Punch St. There are already cycle paths on Herbert and Hampden Streets.

At Flat Rock Creek Reserve, it is necessary to provide continued safe access for cyclists accessing Naremburn, Sailors Bay Rd Northbridge and Small St Willoughby.

It would appear that no serious consideration was given to cycling detour routes or safety in putting together this EIS. The proposals also have a major impact on pedestrians who are heavy users of the routes affected. I look forward to all of these issues being addressed and rectified by the project team.
Thank you for the opportunity to comment.

Ian Meller

This project is flawed on many levels and should not proceed. Here's a few reasons:
1. No business case. Why so many secrets?
2. It will create irreparable Environmental damage to Flat Rock Valley, Middle Harbour and Manly Dam area. These areas are precious to their human and wildlife species.
3. The gain in saved driving time is not worth the environmental damage.
4. Flat rock has contaminated soil. It shouldn't be disturbed.
5. EIS was dismissive of a mass public transport system between Dee Why and Chatswood. It's a no brainer that this would take cars off the road.
6. Construction is highly problematic -transporting contaminated soil in trucks over the Harbour Bridge and by barge in the harbour carries huge risks and create major traffic problems on our local roads. Also noise and vibration issues for residents.
7. There is no advantage to my community, only pain. Local streets will be clogged with only 2 ramps on & off the freeway rather than the present 3 exits that exist now.
8. Cost is so high and will no doubt blow out. Public money could be better spent on providing good efficient public transport.
Thank you.

Attention: Director, Transport Assessments
Planning & Assessment, Department of Planning
Industry and Environment
Locked Bag 5022
Parramatta NSW 2124


01/03/2021

Objection: Beaches Link and Gore Hill Freeway Upgrade – SSI_8862

I write to express my objection to the Beaches Link and Gore Hill Freeway Project. I have done my best to read the extensive EIS documents at this very difficult time. I have significant concerns about the justification for this project particularly given that there is no published business case, it is not high on Infrastructure Australia’s priority list, the EIS demonstrates a significant risk to health and safety and the project and an alternative public transport option has not been fully scoped and compared.

I object to the project for the following reasons:

1. The timing of release of this project at the end of what has been a very challenging year. This project impacts a large number of schools and passes through highly residential areas. Families, community groups and schools have been under a huge amount of strain throughout the exhibition stage. School P&C’s did not have the opportunity to review the documents and parents were caring for children on school holidays. The 12,000+ paged documents are very difficult to read on screen and the Library was not allowing borrowing. The project should be re-exhibited well after the COVID-19 crisis has passed and when normal life returns ad when we understand the permanent changes that it has made.

2. I object to the project due to the contamination risks it presents to the environment and to human health and the negative impact on our precious waterways and green spaces. I believe the government has not made enough considerations about the use of the Flat rock site. The EIS does state that the landfill site may contain industrial as well as household and building waste however when risk assessing the Flat Rock Reserve the assumption is that it is only building and household waste. This assumption is contradicted by the high levels of chemicals in the area and the history of the site which is well documented in the EIS. The Flat Rock Reserve site needs to be re-risk assessed and fully tested in order to avoid negatively impacting the health of the community and the local eco system. Contaminants such as heavy metals and PFAS have been detected in Middle Harbour and are considered dangerous to human health. A plan has been outlined to flush treated waste water from the site through the local water ways into the harbour, however, there has been a failure to acknowledge the risk of spillage of untreated water and there is no remediation plan or budget for compensating for spills or accidents. I strongly recommend that further testing is required on the area before proceeding with any plans. Furthermore, the plans have not outlined the impact to the various community groups and business that rely on the use of the harbour. Contamination at an unsafe level has the potential to inhibit the ability of groups and business to access the harbour for recreational and business purposes, negatively impacting upon health and the local economy. I recommend that further testing be conducted and a full risk assessment be done prior to the sign off outline the health risks to the community including worst case scenarios taking into account accidental spills. The planning should also include real time alert systems and monitoring systems so in the case of a spill communities are prepared

3. I object to the project due to the scale, extent and risk of groundworks in sensitive residential areas and foreshore environments for example, the large scale of the project will disrupt the traffic and noise levels in the community. I believe that the negative impacts of the project far outweigh the positives.


4. I object to the project due to the unreasonable level of impact on the Quality of Life of residents during the tunnel construction and operation because it will negatively impact the recreational activities of the community that have been proven extremely valuable during COVID-19. The parks and waterways of the area are used by many for recreation and business purposed. I also strongly object on the ground of health. As an asthmatic, I am deeply concerned about the air quality impacting my health further. Long have we know that air quality impacts peoples physical and mental health. The government has not outlined a proper response and it is clear that the impacted communities will not be compensated.


5. I object to the project due to the threat to our biodiversity and green spaces. For example, the flat rock reserve, Willoughby leisure centre and the north bridge baths are important to our community. Many of these areas have valuable eco systems and are used for recreational activities that directly impact people health and well-being. The tunnel project would inhibit the use of these areas and negatively impact the community.



6. I object to the project as it is a tolled road and there is little evidence that it will alleviate current congestion. I feel that the project will negatively impact my community and contribute very little.


7. I object to the project as it has a poor climate profile at a time when we should be looking to projects which reduce our emissions. I believe the vast majority of people would prefer the government to focus on reducing the impacts of climate change and look towards greener solutions.


8. I object to the project as there has been no publicly published business case and the costs demonstrated in the EIS seem to far outweigh the benefits. The EIS also fails to fully scope many aspects such as utilities and contamination which poses a risk to the project.


9. I object to the project because the B-Line buses have been successful in reducing congestion and no public transport alternative study has been done with which to compare this project. I ask that the government consider other alternative projects before proceeding with a tunnel which many have viewed as an outdated and lazy option for infrastructure planning.



This project is a missed opportunity to transform Sydney into a world class, healthy and sustainable city with a strong public transport system. The EIS demonstrates that this toll road will be extremely expensive to build and high risk with little benefit. I would ask that an alternative public transport feasibility study be published before any further planning occurs so that impacts and outcomes can be fairly compared.

Yours sincerely,

Abigail E Melloy
16 Mabel Street WILLOUGHBY NSW 2068

WHY SPENDING BILLIONS OF DOLLARS ON A BEACHES LINK ROAD IS WASTED
BECAUSE .... DOING ITHOUT A CAR IS BECOMING THE NEW NORMAL!!!!

In Switzerland, but this accounts for most cities in Europe, private vehicles face strong competition from alternative means of transport.
Public transport services are the key to the fact that households without a car now make up the majority.
The non-car ownerships in the largest cities are presently around 53-57% (in some areas up to 70%) and the current trend is growing steadily over all the European cities.
The ever increasing car-related costs and prices of cars themselves as well as the present pandemic , which has given the citizen the possibility to work from home, have created other alternatives such as car sharing, public transport services, bicycles, electric bicycles and even motorised two-wheelers.
This means that more and more city dwellers and commuters are choosing this cheap and practical means of transport over owning a private vehicle.
WFH is also happening in our city here and further investment into Public Transport Services will accelerate this NEW NORMAL.
It should therefore be the Government's priority not to built more roads and tunnel, not to create more traffic chaos or creating lengthy and polluting constructions sites and definitely not destroying valuable green spaces + animal habitat and lives.
Instead the Government must invest in even more Public Transport Services. A good example is the successfully newly introduced B-Line.
The Government utmost priority is to reduce private cars from our already crowded roads. Building new roads and tunnel at this stage is a very destructive way combating this extremely serious problem.

Demolishing a 100-year old Golf course in order to build an un-necessary Link road must be the one of the worst proposition in this 21st century .What about the 100's of elderly golfers who would have to abandon their game as most nearby clubs are full or too expensive.
Spend those billions of dollars on Public transport, hospitals education, schools and clean energy making sure our next generations find a more healthy and prosperous future.

Kind regards Kathy Schmid

I object to the tunnel. My first basis for objection is that putting more toll roads in is a short sighted strategy. We need more public transport to transport commuters into the City, not a portal to create more traffic and parking problems around the lower north shore and City.
My second basis for objection is that the local disturbance for many years will outweigh the benefit. Specifically, local wildlife and marine populations and traffic disturbance.
If the tunnel goes ahead then you should:
a) Limit truck movements to weekday working hours 7am to 6pm
b) Adequately and transparently monitor noise vibration and pollution in the areas
c) Present a plan as to how you will protect the marine environment, Northbridge baths and river systems from toxic sediments from dredging and run off
d) Protect known Aboriginal sites that are close to the areas of disturbance;
e) Protect wildlife and bushland that will be disturbed with a guarantee that any at-risk species will not be adversely affected;
f) FILTER the ventilation stacks. This is INSANE that this is not part of the proposal. The so called experts stand around and say this doesn’t make a difference. It can’t make a NEGATIVE difference. Even for optics, just filter the stacks. Don’t be painful about it. Other governments do this when they build tunnels – why wouldn’t we!? So many schools and young families in the area. It would be insanity not to filter.
g) Offer free property stability analysis to those above the tunnel digging line and free consult during and after process to ensure there is no collapse of property or vibrations to anyone living above the tunnel line.

I object to the Beaches Link tunnel for the following reasons:
Looking at the GOALS stated in the EIS documents I can't see any guarantee of the relieve of traffic congestion and delays - which is supposed to be one of the main reasons for building this tunnel.
Building a tunnel of this size and in this day and age - the main priority should be to get cars off the road to reduce individual travel by substantially increasing public transport! However in the current plans I can't see a designated public transport line (bus/train)
All major cities around the world (London, New York, Paris, Moscow, Munich) have a underground and/or overland train system to guarantee fast transport for a large amount of people. Almost 20 years ago London has introduced the congestion charge to get cars out of the city whereby with a tunnel project like this - I wonder if Sydney is trying to encourage more cars into the city?!
Public transport has to be the number 1 priority in a project like this and in a time where the world has to be carbon zero by 2050!!!

Traffic congestion in Manly Vale and Balgowlah will increase significantly - not only during construction of the Beaches Link Tunnel, but this will be in ongoing issue once the tunnel is eventually built!
Thousands of residents will be subject to excess noise and vibration for years to come during the construction of the project which will further lead to potential damage to homes. Can you confirm the mitigation measures that will be put in place to prevent this?

Unfiltered Ventilation Stacks - in my understanding the modelling for the exposure is based on averaged figures across large time periods (i.e. 24 hours) and insufficient emphasis is placed on the exposure during peak times, when heavy traffic is travelling in the relevant direction.
Considering the closeness of the stacks to numerous local schools (Balgowlah Boys, St. Cecilia Primary School), as well as sports field and the impact the increased level of vehicle pollution this will have on the students and sports people I strongly urge NSW Government to revise the current plans!
A recent report (October 2004) in the New England Journal of Medicinex found that the risk of myocardial infarction was increased three fold by recent exposure to vehicle pollution . An accompanying article described a credible explanation of the mechanisms involved noting that the article provided . "compelling epidemiologic evidence that particulate air pollution from traffic may trigger the abrupt onset of acute myocardial infarction. An understanding of air pollution in the larger context of triggering of the entire process of atherosclerosis suggests, in addition, that air pollution plays a more complex and multifaceted role in the development of cardiovascular disease over the longer term."

Additionally to the above mentioned reasons to my objection to this project, my main concerns are the the destruction of High Value Bushland and Green Open Space and the general threat towards our local environment this project will cause!
Not only will more than 12 ha of high value bushland be destroyed due to the widening of the Wakehurst Parkway from Seaforth through to the intersection of the Parkway with Warringah Road!
While I understand that NSW Government is promising to return this area back to a park after the construction, it will be impossible to recreate the complex tapestry of endemic flora species or the lost wildlife. Disturbing and/or removing the original topsoil means opening up the whole area to invasive weed. Locating an industrial grade work site here will be an absolute disaster for the environment and to the future of the Northern Beaches!

The disturbance of sludge on the bottom of Middle Harbour (which is in fact at one of the deepest parts of Sydney Harbour) presents significant risk to the marine environment as well from disturbance of sediment, increased turbidity and potential fuel/oil leaks and spills during construction.
Sediment samples revealed levels above safe guidelines of heavy metals, mercury, lead and pesticides. If released during dredging, these would have devastating impacts upon the seagrass, aquatic life including endangered marine species such as the White’s seahorse, and people enjoying swimming, boating and fishing in the surrounding areas of the Spit, Clontarf, Beauty Point and Sailors Bay.
https://viabletransportsolutions.com.au/impacts-on-the-environment/

IMPACTS ON THE WATER QUALITY IN MANLY DAM
The likely loss of Water Quality in Manly Dam and it’s catchments is likely to wipe out the population of Gondwanan Climbing Galaxias fish in Curl Curl creek (Manly Creek) which are considered to have existed for 60 million years. They are the only population in Sydney. We can not risk endangering a species that has been around longer than we have, for the gain of a few minutes of travel time reduction!!

In a time where a majority of businesses have developed a working from home policy and in a time where business has learnt that this is a viable option, where government money (well, our tax money) should be spent helping people that have lost everything (bushfires, loss of employment and loss of business through covid) our and our governments priority should not be a 7-year-long, multi-billion dollar project where no-one knows what will be at the other end of the tunnel!

I object to the project. It will cause damage to Manly Dam and the national park. It will damage the environment of the harbour. It is a short term solution , a band aid only and will cause further congestion. There are health risks to thousands of residents. A substantial number of residents of the northern beaches have proven during Covid 19 that they can work without even using the Spit Bridge at all, as many are white collar workers with the ability to work from home. The funds for this project should be allocated to another transportation infrastructure area, or other state funded area of greater need. The residents of the Northern Beaches do not need the tunnel. Research into a solution for the longer term, 50-100 years, should be done - such as further public transportation similar to the B Line, or a light railway. This project should not be a political and corporate tool used at the cost of the environment or in place of real visionary action for the Northern Beaches population and its visitors.

Overall I believe this project does not meet the transport needs of our future generations in regards to the additional negative health and environmental impact of allowing more cars on the road. We should be planning for more and better public transport that reduces cars on the road as well as congestion. If this project does go ahead, I am deeply concerned about the unfiltered smoke stacks close to schools, parks and houses which may have a long term damaging impact on the health of the local residents. I would like to request that alternative options to be addressed that can absolutely guarantee that no local residents and children will have to suffer from the additional pollution and unfiltered smoke.

Refer Beaches Tunnel attachment

Objection: Beaches Link Tunnel

I am writing to express my strong objection to the Beaches Link Tunnel.
Global experience of toll road construction has demonstrated conclusively that projects like this increase air pollution, encourage more car use and eventually fill the increased road capacity they create. Additionally, these projects severely impact the lives of people surrounding the constructions zone for years.
This submission lists my objections
I object to this Project as it:
• Is based on false assumptions about public transport demand;
• Will not achieve its stated goal of addressing long−term traffic congestion in the Northern Beaches in fact it will increase congestion particularly at the weekends bringing in up to 40,000 extra cars a day to fill the already over-crowded parking options at beach side parking areas.
• It has not been properly tested against alternative public transport solutions;
• Fails to adequately address the real impacts on the community, especially noise, air quality and health impacts for local residents;
• Homes in the area are potentially at risk of damage from vibrations, settlement and ground movement.
• Will impact on the value of properties by for the years between this proposal and completion;
• Does not mandate the filtration of exhaust stacks, at a risk to public health. There are many schools and families situated within 500 metres of the suggested unfiltered exhaust stack location; - The exhaust stacks at all tunnel portals across the entire proposed Beaches Link network MUST be filtered, if they cannot be filtered the tunnel should not be built;
• Will destroy local flora and fauna especially the colony of water dragons that have made this area home;
• Will pollute our harbour with toxic sediment putting Middle Harbour marine life including some protected marine species at risk;
Balgowlah Golf Course site which will be used as a tunnel excavation site. Construction at this site will place the community under unacceptable pressure due to:
• Excessive construction noise over at least 5 years. Excessive noise causes stress, impacts sleep and reduces quality of life. Ongoing noise can seriously impact people's mental health. - Extensive noise monitoring and noise mitigation must be offered to all impacted homes. Not just those homes as defined in the EIS but also those where people will be affected by any change to the noise levels. Not just after operation but also during the entire period of construction.
• A large amount of dust is expected to be generated by tunnelling, truck movements, earthworks concrete manufacturing and the very fact that some of the spoil is intended to be used to flatten the site for post build reconstruction. Some households are likely to not be able to open their doors and windows for the entire construction period (over 5 years). - Measures must be enforced to adequately mitigate the impact of construction and excavation dust.
• Increased truck movements. The Project will generate 495 heavy vehicle movements and 1195 light vehicle movements per day at the Balgowlah Golf Course site which is already subject to capacity traffic movements at both Sydney Road and Burnt Bridge Creek Deviation. - Increased traffic on local roads will impact the area and make for rat runs.
• Construction workers taking on−street parking and truck stack parking experience will significantly affect the ability of local residents and local commuters that currently park in the area to find a place to park their vehicles - The contractor must be required to provide parking for 100% of workers on site to protect resident amenity. Local Government must Introduce local resident parking zones and monitor illegal parking.
• A greatly reduced quality of life for many residents during the construction phase and after, noise, dust, ambient light, noise from playing fields, rats runs during, increase of traffic on the Northern end of Wanganella Street and parallel streets when in operation; outlook onto stack and car parks. Lack of sleep, mental health etc. Post completion the proposal is to reconfigure the current natural looking landscape full of trees and flora and fauna, used by many local residents into a collection of car parks, playing fields and amenity buildings. Noise from shouting and whistles associated with many sports will negatively impact residents. The proposed configuration will introduce ambient light and direct light at night to a number of residents who do not have any such affects currently. This will affect them significantly and options for compulsory purchase at a current market value should be offered or a requirement for adequate compensation from the Northern Beaches council or NSW Government to be offered to affected residents included in the plans.
• Stress of the proposal has already had an impact on the mental health of a significant number of local residents this will be even more compounded if construction commences.
• Construction impacts will affect Bally Boys for the entire tenure of some students.
• During construction and when in operation the increased traffic on Wanganella Street will result in local residents not being able to exit from their homes to access Wanganella Street especially residents who live in Westlake and Brighton and Paris Streets,
• Impact on trees and visual amenity both during and after – Tree number MUST be retained to ensure visual amenity and possible noise barrier benefits during and after construction. From Appendix W part 2 of the EIS tree numbers and tree groups 720, 721, 758-771, 20331-20360 all located on the Eastern side of the Golf course BL assessment area 4.
• The proposal to construct an amenity block on the 8th hole of the golf course is unacceptable as it could promote loitering, possible anti social (drug use) behaviour especially at night. The noise factor is also of concern as it should not be close to residents and families.

Lorriane Cairnes
PO Box 4088
Castlecrag NSW 2068

BEACHES LINK AND GORE HILL FREEWAY CONNECTION - OBJECTION
Project SSI 8862

I OBJECT TO THIS PROPOSAL for the following reasons

1. NOT NEEDED: We do not need this massive infrastructure intrusion in our city. It will benefit few, and during its very long construction period there will be massive disturbance and permanent Irreversible environmental damage will be caused.

2. NO PUBLIC TRANSPORT BENEFITS AND MORE CARS ENCOURAGED ONTO SYDNEY’S ROADS: The focus on enhancing northern beaches traffic movements is short- sighted, and will encourage people who live there to use their cars more. There is no public transport element to justify this project.It has no public transport benefits at a time when we need to get cars OFF the roads, not encourage more vehicle traffic.

3. NO BUSINESS CASE: There is no business case, and this should be a minimum starting point which should have been revealed, if indeed there is such a case.

4. DESTRUCTION OF BUSHLAND AND HABITAT: It will destroy an extensive area of much-loved bushland near Flat Rock Creek, although restoration of this bushland has been a 20 year project to restore the native ecosystems and habitat. The claims that this bushland will later be restored ( again) are just unbelievable, after the hard-won progress made to bring it to its present condition. This loss is unthinkable.

5. DAMAGE TO CLIVE PARK RESERVE BUSHLAND, LANDSCAPE AND ABORIGINAL,SITES: Clive Park Bushland Reserve will suffer loss of bushland from this small high-value patch of important bushland, plus its ecological linkage with the marine / estuarine ecosystem of Middle Harbour. This reserve is the central bushy headland in the centre of the cover photo of the EIS, and its landscape significance in Upper Middle Harbour can easily be seen. The potential for geological disturbance here by construction works is high, and there are also many important Aboriginal sites here which will be put at risk

On behalf of the Northbridge Progress Association (NPA) we would like to submit our objection to the Beaches Link tunnel following release of the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS).

Whilst we object to the project due to a number of major concerns, which are detailed in our submission, we have also provided recommendations our community would like the government to commit to should the project proceed regardless. We have provided references to support the seriousness and validity of the need to address these concerns contained in our submission.

Northbridge is a strong community with over 6,300 residents, proud of the physical attractions of our peninsular suburb and Indigenous heritage. Our association is invested in achieving the best outcomes for our residents and environment whilst ensuring there is engagement and communication with our community. We will continue to update our community on this project and will be informing our local State Member and Premier, The Hon. Gladys Berejiklian of our position along with The. Hon. Rob Stokes, Minister of Planning.

As the Federation of Willoughby and our local council, Willoughby City Council, were granted an extension beyond 1st March we will work with both to have our concerns included in the broader Willoughby context. We hope they will follow our lead by using our framework and provide further details to mitigate issues relating to the Beaches Link tunnel.

Should you have any questions regarding our submission please do not hesitate to contact us.

The proposed tunnel is a major over-development destroying the natural environment
The construction of such a project is sending a message that is not aligned with local and global concern for the importance of protecting biodiversity and wildlife
The resulting environmental damage to the Wakehurst Parkway / Burnt Bridge / Manly Dam catchment / Queenscliff lagoon ecosystems will be irreparable and long term
The Business Case does not justify the environmental destruction and massive spend for such a short term gain, with community feedback concerns being ignored

Destroying the traffic free walking and cycling pathway alongside the Gore Hill Freeway for at least four years of construction is completely unaceptable planning at a time when there are more people cycling, running, walking on this path than ever.

The existing shared path is extremely safe from motorists, the alternative path planned is completely inadequite and puts every user in great danger.

1. It will endanger hundreds of cyclicst using this cyclepath between Lane Cove and Narremburn on a daily basis, the alternative is not safe since the back roads are shared with truck, cars, speeding motorists rat racing through back streets.
2. Every cyclict you endanger is a father/mother/loved one/provider for a family/student - what would the repurcussions be for a tragic injury created by this project and the grief for a whole community?
3. Runners and walkers will be in great danger as the alternative path are to narrow, not shared, blind in/out driveways, shared with trucks.
4. By destoying access to this path, the daily users would have to source alternative methods getting from Lane Cove to Narremburn, since the alternative path is not safe, we would likely have to use public transport, which adds extra traveling time and in return takes away time from family, and add extra expence for public transport costs

As a world class city it is totally unaceptable to only plan for motorist, it is a disgrace and disapointing planning.

Please plan a safe alternative route!

The proposed development will have serious negative impacts environment and the local ecosystems. These impacts will pose even greater challenges to the already threatened and endangered species. This area includes vital pockets of green space that provide a connection to Garigal National Park and the greater Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park. These green spaces are precious and help to ensure the biodiversity of the region can be sustained.

The Wakehurst Parkway provides a necessary arterial connection for Northern Beaches residents. It is carved out through an area of bushland and a larger area of Metropolitan Local Aboriginal Lands Council land. The widening of the road will put greater pressure on the waterways and catchment area, as well as the obvious impacts from heavy vehicle use.

I think ultimately we want to work together to improve our connections while also considering our local biodiversity. The biodiversity is part of what make the Northern Beaches such a desirable destination and a beautiful place to live. We have the beaches, the waterways, and the bush while living close to a major city. By protecting what we have we will help to secure this for future generations.