Beaches Link and Gore Hill Freeway Connection

I object to the proposal on the grounds of impact to the neighbourhood amenity as well as direct impact on our property.

I am most concerned by the reported impact on Burnt Bridge Creek. I had understood that preserving the habitat and water flow along Burnt Bridge Creek was a critical required, however this has not been honoured in the latest design.

I am concerned about noise during construction and once commissioned. Whilst we currently live close to a 6 lane highway, the proposed tunnel entrance will expand this to 12 lanes. As we live on the high side of Serpentine Crescent and there is no protection from the existing noise walls and there is nothing in the proposal which is designed to mitigate this impact. Enduring this over proposed construction of 7 years is untenable.

I am concerned about air pollution from the ventilation shaft and from the tunnel entrance which will be unfiltered. The EIS modelling (Figure 8-14) shows our property to be one of the top 10 RWR receptors (yellow crosses). I am concerned that this will have adverse health impacts on my family.

This submission is made by the Manly Warringah War Memorial State Park Advisory Committee Community Representatives. These community representatives do not support the proposal in its current form due to the significance of the biodiversity and water quality impacts at, adjacent and downstream of the Wakehurst Parkway site. The significance of these impacts, at both the construction and operational phase of the proposal, have been clearly identified and quantified in the Beaches Link and Gore Hill Freeway Connection - Environmental Impact Statement (EIS).

The Advisory Committee Community Representatives challenge several subjective claims regarding specific biodiversity and water quality impacts. The responses detailed in the attachment either:
• Identify alternative avoidance, mitigation and offsetting measures, or
• Request clarification to support subjective statements in the EIS

The Advisory Committee Community Representatives strongly requests that if the proposal were to proceed that TfNSW guarantees that the proposal will not impact the MWWMSP, other than the direct impact of the construction footprint, at either the construction or operational phase of the proposal.

To whom it may concern,

Over the last few weeks, more education has been shared with the local community about the development of the Beaches Link Tunnel. The insights to the extent of the impact of the project during, and after, construction has been eye-opening for myself and many of my friends who live in the areas of Clontarf, Balgowlah and Balgowlah heights.

We’ve all chosen, as perhaps some of you have too, to live in this part of the world to enjoy the beautiful environments, quality of life and community values of caring for each other and our surroundings.

Despite being so lucky as to live on the gorgeous Northern Beaches, there is no doubt we’ve all suffered over the past year. The bushfires and drought followed by the unimaginable impact, and social and economic consequences, of the COVID-pandemic made for a challenging 2020.

The Federal, State and local governments have been an incredible support and reliable leaders during these times of incredible hardship and have set a global standard for how to pull a community together to work through a crisis that affects every single one of us.

Now, with the fiscal challenges facing the government in the wake of the 2020 drought, bushfires and the COVID-19 pandemic, I’m calling for your help to influence decision-making on the Northern Beaches Link Tunnel, a project with poor economics, lack of strategic importance and long-lasting environmental impact.

Please use your position to share the voice of many local constituents who want to explore infrastructure projects that will enhance the liveability, sustainability and accessibility across our city, not reduce it.

My full set of objections is attached for easy reference and I welcome the opportunity to be involved in further discussions.
Yours faithfully

Tiffany Egan
Clontarf resident
0419 600 141

I strongly object to the Beaches Link and Gore Hill extension due to the EIS and the complete lack of a business case for this project.
I have been a resident of Naremburn for the last 21 years. I know my area well and this project is not only the wrong project for Sydney as a whole but also for the health and well being of local Naremburn residents due to:

1. The known contamination in Flat Rock gully. Disturbing this old tip site that has been carefully and lovingly brought back to usability over the last 30 years poses real health risks to those living and going to school in the area. Further the EIS makes clear that contaminants have been found in the groundwater around the tip site.
2. The Health and Well Being of the local residents will be impacted. The EIS attests to this. The noise, dust and traffic will be terrible for the living in the area for at least 5 years during the project.
3. The Bushland that we as local residents enjoy will be destroyed to enable this project. Our lifestyle will be greatly hampered by this. My family and I walk through this area several times a week as do hundreds local residents.
4. The lack of the release of a business case for this project is very concerning. The numbers that have been released in terms of travel time savings do not seem to have any real basis, and with people changing their habits due to COVID-19, this project is much pain, but not proven gain. The EIS shows that the travel times in a few years will hardly show any improvement.
5. The Northern Beaches need viable public transport and that hasn’t been looked into. The EIS confirms this and this is not acceptable. This project is a white elephant. Another toll road, more expense to Sydney siders. This will impact me personally as more people will be rat running and avoiding these high tolls. This will make our streets more unsafe and busier.
6. The unfiltered stacks add insult to injury in this project. Our youngest is still at a local public school in Cammeray and if this project goes ahead there will be health impacts for these young children. There will be extra particulates in the air due to these stacks. My daughter suffers from acute asthma and we have big concerns for her health with this project.
7. Naremburn already had the pain of being split as a suburb when the freeway was put in decades ago. We are now being forced to endure a project that makes no sense, and that will affect our lives daily as well as our house prices. There will most probably be damage to our properties from the drilling as has been seen in the inner west. And my understanding is that no one has had any of this damage rectified to date.

This project has been rushed through and is not the best use of $14B billion. This project will mean that our lives will be deeply disrupted on multiple levels for many years. There is no plan from the government to mitigate anything that has been brought up by residents. Our children are at real risk of illness and ongoing health problems from this project. Therefore I object to this project due to the information contained in the EIS.

Your sincerely,

Naremburn Resident

The Sydney Coastal Councils Group (SCCG) is a regional organisation of Councils that advances sustainable management of Sydney’s urban coastal and estuarine environment. We currently comprise nine member Councils who represent 1.3 million Sydneysiders. Thank you for the opportunity to comment on the proposed Beaches Link and Gore Hill Freeway Connection. This proposal is of high relevance to the SCCG as it has the potential to directly impact upon three of our member Councils (North Sydney, Willoughby and Northern Beaches) and indirectly affect other member Councils’ that are downstream of the construction activities.

We recognise the need to provide for additional road network capacity and improve connectivity to alleviate Sydney’s traffic congestion. However, we caution that there could be significant risks to the following values because of construction and operation activities of the project:
• Bushland and biodiversity
• Groundwater
• Water quality
• Marine biodiversity

We would also like to raise the importance of the work being done to improve waterway health in the catchment through the development of a Greater Sydney Harbour Coastal Management Program which is required under the Coastal Management Act 2016. Given the potential impacts of the proposal, it is vital that the project considers the development of this policy when finalising its environmental controls for the proposed works and we
welcome further consultation with you.

Please find attached full submission.

If you have any queries, please contact me by email at [email protected] or by phone (0407 733 075).

I am opposed to the Northern Beaches Tunnel and Link Road for the following reasons:
1) Environmental issues: The removal of Balgowlah Golf Course including the destruction of multiple number of trees & destruction of the natural habitat which will have a negative impact on native flora & fauna .I am very concerned that the Government has demonstrated so little concern for our beautiful local green space & the safety & wellbeing of local wildlife.
2) Air quailty: The impact of air quality both during & on completion of this project is of great concern to me as a resident due to the amount of dust created in the first instance & on completion,the emissions from the stacks which according to EIS will not include any filters.
3) Traffic- this project will also impact very negatively on the volume of traffic through Wanganella & Maretimo streets which will become ‘rat runs’ which these streets will not be able to cope with.

My wife and I wish to strongly object to two aspects of the proposed Beaches Link tunnel which stand to severely disrupt and potentially cause harm to students at the Balgowlah Boys Campus. In doing so we want to make clear that we currently have 3 grandchildren attending the school, two of whom will be severely affected, along with their classmates and teachers, for the entirety of the remaining years of their schooling.
Firstly, the proposed construction zone which is to be positioned directly opposite the school will bring a considerable amount of noise, dust and dirt pollution, and emission fumes from trucks approaching, entering and leaving the site, for what is estimated to be at least 5 years. This is an intolerable situation for children and teachers to endure and hope to receive and provide a decent, safe and worthwhile education, which we submit is the right of every student, regardless of where they live. Why not simply move this construction site a safe distance away?
Secondly, there is an unfiltered emission stack proposed to be situated dangerously close to the school. The justification claim made in the plan that there is no need for filtration, and that in any case it would be unnecessarily expensive to provide filtration, is just plain ludicrous. Where childrens' wellbeing is concerned, surely removing any doubt about the safety of this stack must be paramount? And the expense of filtration of one stack in a $14 billion construction project is hardly going to break the budget.
We feel strongly about this, along with the parents of our grandchildren and the children themselves along with their classmates. We equally strongly urge you to make these changes.
Sincerely
Patrick and Carolyn Penn

Where do I start as there are so many incorrect statements by the RMS, falsehoods or inaccuracies in the EIS, lip-service to true public consultation and a fog created by the EIS and plethora of Appendices and attachments with no hyperlinks???
1. The science put forward in the EIS is at best inadequate or misleading. There are many studies both locally and overseas stating that particle levels less than 10ųm will be concentrated by the 20m high unfiltered stacks as well as in the tunnels themselves. Drivers, passengers and community within a short distance of the stacks will be affected. This will lead to an increase of 2-3 deaths per year plus a substantial effect on developing pregnancies, asthmatic conditions and other lung conditions.
2. Traffic will only improve marginally based on the current design as stated by the RMS in the EIS - 30% in Spitt Bridge traffic initially.
3. Tunnel exit/entry at Seaforth should be relocated to Manly Vale leading down to Kentwell Road to connect with Pittwater Rd and Allambie Road. Much more practical.
4. EIS is incorrect in stating the percentage of open space returned for public use at Balgowlah Holf Course. A significant amount of green space is inaccessible to the public due to the 12 lane roadway, car parks and management facilities. Also the netball courts are not green space. The creek is destroyed as it goes into a canal so all that vegetation is lost which then affects the wildlife corridor onto the golf course.
5. The golf course as a resource for 500 members, 1500 casual players plus public access disappears. As a mental health facility this is one of only two sports thst we're allowed to be used during he Covid crisis. All other clubs in tge area are full so this leaves at least 2,000 golfers without a public course in the area.
6. No-one overseas is buildibg 20m high unfiltered stacks for tunnels of this length. If this area really us safe to live in I challenge ANY government minister or RMS member to live in a house within 100, 200, 500 or even 1,000m of the stacks.
7. This is meant to be a plan for the next 50 years yet it will be full to capacity within years based on RMS estimates.
8. Almost no-one east of the tunnel will use it due to the ridiculously high toll planned and lack of exit points along its length.

More planning, consultation and future proofing is required.

This is submitted on behalf of the resident - not Council's official submission.

Bay Precinct strongly objects to the Beaches Link project. The estimated cost of this project, in conjunction with the Western Harbour Tunnel, is $14 billion. No business case has been released to the public justifying such major expenditure.
Bay Precinct is the northern Precinct in the North Sydney Council Local Government Area. It extends from the southern perimeter of Tunks Park and Long Bay. The Precinct comprises of about 950 residences.
At a General Meeting of the Precinct on February 15, 2021, attended by 53 residents, this motion was carried (almost all attendees at the meeting raised their hand in support):
Bay Precinct opposes the Beaches Link Tunnel project until such time as:
1. The business case is released for public consideration; and
2. The need for the project, and its superiority over public transport alternatives, has been demonstrated by way of a transparent process involving informed public engagement and consultation, noting that the EIS process has to date failed to evaluate the relative merits of public transport.
Four specific objections are attached to this submission:
1. Loss of public recreation space in the North Sydney LGA.
2. Quality of the built environment in the North Sydney CBD.
3. Traffic problems and pedestrian safety in the North Sydney LGA.
4. Air pollution.
Our community is also greatly concerned by the proposal to construct and operate a Dive Site for the project at the top of Flat Rock Creek Gully, Nothbridge, adjacent to Flat Rock Creek Drive. Bay Precinct is also a member of the Bicentennial Reserve & Flat Rock Gully Advisory Committee. This committee will lodge a comprehensive submission, opposing the Beaches Link project. While the location of the Dive Site is within Willoughby City Council, these submissions document the potential for serious pollution and consequential health and environment impacts for the communities in and around Flat Rock Gully and Tunks Park (Bay Precinct). These concerns should trigger a re-evaluation of the project. As a member of the Bicentennial Reserve & Flat Rock Gully Advisory Committee, this is the link to their submission - https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1Q-L7YeI3uXyaj-bM-yl1b__6_gZHUQ0X?usp=sharing. We fully support these objections. Please include them in our submission.
Brian Emanuel,
Secretary

I object to the tunnel for the following reasons..
- Environmental impact to Middle Harbour, Manly Dam, Burnt Bridge Creek and surrounds, Discharge in Queenscliff Lagoon and Beach
- Lack of full filtration on the ventilation stacks
- Significant construction impact to North Balgowlah - 7 years of construction, 24/7 creating material traffic, noise, dust and pollution
- Destroying the suburb of North Balgowlah with entrances of both sides of the suburb, creation of rat runs through the suburb, reducing usability of wakehurst parkway throughout the construction period
- Reduction in the amount of traffic given the changes to people's working conditions post COVID questions the need to build the tunnel
- $14bn in taxpayers money could be put to far better use across Health, Education and Public Transport and not in order for more cars to be used on the roads.
- People will avoid the tunnel and still use current routes to avoid the expense tolls.

I object to the Beaches Link and Gore Hill extension and summarise the basis of my objections below:
1) I object to the project in the absence of a disclosed business case and dispute the contention that the project is needed in its current form of an underground motorway tunnel. I request that a business case is published and the public is given the opportunity to provide feedback and consultation in a meaningful manner around any such business case. This will also provide an opportunity for viable alternatives to be considered for the responsible expenditure of taxpayer funds on critical long-term infrastructure, most notably the need for efficient mass transit public transport such as heavy rail.
2) I object to the project and the imposition of another tollway on residents of Sydney who are already heavily taxed both directly and indirectly by the NSW state government to recoup the huge construction cost of this project which is not justified on any cost / benefit basis.
3) I object to the heavy traffic impact on Northbridge and surrounding areas which will be caused by the Flat Rock Gully dive site, introduction of traffic lights on Brook Street and c50 movements of trucks per hour during the 3-5 year construction period. This will result in heavy congestion of these key arterial roads – which will be further exacerbated by significant surrounding developments occurring at the same time eg. development of the channel 9 site at the junction of Willoughby and Artarmon Roads. The resultant impact of this will include the creation of rat-ran and suburban congestion along the Sailor’s Bay Road, Eastern Valley Way and Strathallan Road precinct, which will overflow into neighbourhood streets as traffic flow seeks to navigate these key arterial routes.
4) I object to the location of the Flat Rock Gully dive site and request that the dive site be relocated to the Artarmon Industrial Precinct. This will materially reduce the noise, air and access / traffic impact of the construction dive site due to it’s improved proximity to neighbouring residential areas, appropriate zoning for these types of works and reduced risks to local heritage. This includes the high risks created by the Flat Rock Gully dive site to vulnerable land eco-systems, waterways and animal life (eg. from planned water discharged to creeks). The relocation of the dive site to the Artarmon Industrial precinct will also remove the need for the removal of c400 trees in Flat Rock Gully – a badly needed, unique and ecologically valuable nature reserve on the lower north shore. The relocation of the dive site to Artarmon Industrial Precinct will also avoid the disturbance of land with confirmed contamination as a previous waste dump site.
5) I object to the inadequate noise and dust mitigation measures proposed around the Flat Rock Gully proposed dive site, which will create health risks for residents surrounding the dive site – which will be heightened by the highly contaminated nature of the site. The proximity of the currently proposed dive site to neighbouring residential properties with 24/7 construction of the project over a prolonged period, will also force residents to endure widespread and ongoing noise above acceptable levels which will significantly impact their quality of life. If the current proposed dive site is retained, I propose that work and access at the dive site is i) restricted to 7am to 7pm 6 days a week to mitigate this impact; ii) the expansion of acoustic barriers / noise walls enclosing the dive site; and iii) introduction of further dust / air quality barriers.
6) I object to the current alignment of the proposed tunnel project which does not seek to mitigate the impact of the above ground properties by seeking to follow existing arterial road pathways thereby minimising the extent to which residential properties are affected. This will materially exacerbate the impact on Northbridge as a suburb, with regard to the extensive ground impact risks, drawdown and the quantum of residential substratum acquisition (without any compensation for landowners from the NSW Government). The resultant easements which will be registered on properties 50m either side of the proposed alignment will impede future development of these residential properties (including the need for the responsible government department approval in additional to any council DA consents etc) and impact property values as a result of a tunnel expressway being constructed under their homes (once again without any compensation).
7) I object to the project due to the 4 unfiltered emissions stacks which are being proposed within close proximity to the densest concentration of schools in Australia (heavily impacting and exposing our children to exhaust emissions and fumes from the tunnel), as well as residents using playing fields and in their homes. I request that given this unacceptable impact from the unfiltered emissions and fumes, that filtration be required on all emissions stacks as a condition of the project proceeding. It would be an embarrassment for the NSW Government to construct the longest unfiltered tunnel in the world, given Australia’s status as a developed country and to fail to utilise the talent and capability of our engineers and design public servants in delivering a world class project.
8) I object to the project due to the significant design deficiencies in the proposal, including the absence of any local on ramps to the Beaches Link tunnel for Northbridge residents and reduced access to the Warringah / Gore Hill freeway post completion for Northbridge residents. This is despite these residents being most impacted during the 3-5 year construction period.

I strongly object to the tunnel and ask:
1. That the business case is released for public consideration. The business case should evidence the travel time savings quoted, the congestion benefits quoted, should include a revised and fully scoped assessment of impacts to local roads (i.e., Willoughby, Eastern Valley Way, Military Rd), model various tolling implications and surface road impacts, should include all under-scoped risks (i.e., contamination, utilities etc), include the costs to mitigate and remediate multiple contaminated sites and in so doing accurately cost the project.
2. That the need for the project, and its superiority over public transport alternatives is demonstrated by way of a transparent process involving informed public engagement and consultation, noting that the EIS process has to date has not evaluated the relative merits of public transport alternatives.

Please consider the following points:

3. The stacks must be filtered. Please consider the health of children and adults living/working nearby. The non-filtered emission stacks will leak the products from the 15 km tunnel over the suburbs of Cammeray and nearly north Sydney where there is a high concentration of preschool, primary and secondary schools. this is unacceptable since the increased car and diesel truck exhaust fumes contain several extremely toxic substances including tiny particles that are hazardous for human respiratory and circulatory health. this effect is heightened in the bodies of young children; thus, it is unacceptable that the tunnel emission stacks be not filtered and located in such close proximity to schools.

4. It seems the tunnel is just about enabling more development on the beached which will just increase the traffic and we’ll be back to the same issues. Public transport needs to be considered.
5. The cost cannot be justified: at $15,000,000,000 this project is unjustifiably expensive for the 16 km stretch of road/ tunnel that is outlines and thus must be analysed further in regard to cost-benefit. however, since the travel data contained within the EIS is out of date by up to 5 years, this is not possible, and thus such expenditure cannot be justified. The bottle neck of traffic just gets re-located.

6. Due to the phenomenon of 'traffic demand', whereby in the absence of viable public transport options, such a project will only increase car travel and thus any short-term reduction in traffic congestion along military rd. and similarly congested roads will soon be reversed. thus, this project is ill conceived, short sighted, unethical and nonsensical.

7. This project actually encourages car travel and further tolling in Sydney. major cities around the world have all shown the negative effects of car congestion in their cbds yet this project aims to increase car travel into Sydney’s CBD. this is irresponsible planning and not in Sydney’s long-term interests. Most other cities are getting rid of major roads and improving public transport.

8. The primary dig site at flat rock gully is unsuitable as it will entail digging through layers of decades old dump site contaminated substances. the land will contain asbestos, toxic gases and other unknown items that were legally allowed to be dumped there last century. digging at this site will also release noxious fumes and contribute to unacceptable levels of air, noise and traffic pollution. the numbers of truck movement along flat rock drive are dangerous for other drivers on the road. Flat rock gully is home to several protected and endangered species including small bird populations, rock wallaby, powerful owl, lizards and many more creature catalogued by Willoughby wildlife group WEPA.
plus, the risk of contaminating nearby and downstream flat rock gully native wildlife corridor is unacceptable, plus further downstream contamination risk of Tunks park waters is unacceptable.

9. The local Naremburn/ Willoughby community will be impacted as will the local sporting facilities which adjoin the primary dig sites. Sports facilities and open space are already limited in this area so this will have a huge negative impact and will only cause more bottle neck traffic in our local area during and after the project.

10. The government has recently declared an 'open space' initiative/policy in which it seeks to protect precious open green spaces. This project is not in alignment with this policy as this project will result in bulldozing at flat rock gully to make way for dig site and truck turning circle, plus destruction of various golf courses e.g., Cammeray and Balgowlah.

11. The proposed coffer dam to go in water off northbridge is unacceptable, as is the dredging in that area to make way for the semi-submerged tunnel. The dredging will alter silt tidal patterns and damage the seagrasses and delicate marine ecosystems located in these waters. the waters have only recently returned to a high state of cleanliness as evidenced by recent sightings of seals and even a whale a few years back. dredging these waters will disturb decades old layers of harbour sludge containing toxic sediments. the toxic fallout from digging in these waterways will result in closing down valuable public amenities such as northbridge baths, and northbridge sailing club. any risk of contamination to these waterways is unacceptable and thus the tunnel must not proceed through this route.

12. The EIS is not current and much of it was written before COVID-19 and changed work practices. therefore, the facts and data it contains are irrelevant to current situation e.g., with respect to travel time data, post COVID-19 - there is much less dependency on peak hour travel. many more people are working from home and will continue to do so as workplaces have become more flexible. Thus, a new, up to date post-COVID-19 EIS needs to be written and re submitted for community consultation.






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 train 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, particularly rail.

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.

I strongly oppose the high cost of this project, especially when the net outcome of relatively small reductions in travel times data is evident.
I recommend that similar traffic travel data outcomes could be achieved by improving current roads and public transport scheduling e.g., buses and trains, at a fraction of the $15 billion cost. also, if the prime objective is to on sell this road/tunnel to a large transport toll company like Transurban - then the basis for this project is unjust as Transurban holds a monopoly over tolled roads in Sydney and thus there is no assurance of best value spending of public money - this is negligent and irresponsible. this project does not have the best interests of the general public in mind.

I wish to lodge my objections to the Beaches Link tunnel based on the following points ; -
1. The EIS was based on 25% of the design being completed. This is a very low % on which to base a thorough EIS. What controls /checks and community consultation will be transparent for the further 75%?
The EIS is not current and much of it was written before covid, therefore the facts and data it contains are irrelevant to current situation eg with respect to travel time data, post covid - there is much less dependency on peak hour travel. Many more people are working from home and will continue to do so as workplaces have become more flexible. Thus a new, up to date post-covid EIS needs to be written and re submitted for community consultation.
2. the 'beaches tunnel' has been declared "worlds best practice', however, this is untrue, as 'world's best practice' would include filtration of the tunnel ventilation/emission stacks. as plainly stated in the EIS, these will NOT be filtered, therefore this plan for beaches tunnel is NOT worlds best practice, therefore, until it can be deemed, "worlds best practice', it should NOT go ahead. There is real concern for the many schools and pre school surrounding the emission stacks.
3. The name 'beaches link' is not correct as the tunnel goes to Balgowlah, not to the beach. This is false representation of a significant NSW state project and as such should be addressed with a name more representative of what it actually is.
4. The original document signed by Mike Baird when he was Premier clearly stated that in finding a solution to traffic congestion along Military Rd/Spit Rd corridor and that public transport options NOT be considered. This is a blatant abuse of the investigative process and thus excluded from the start, any real objective research into the best solution for the traffic congestion problems identified. Therefore the basis of the project is biased and non-scientific and illogical from the start. The project needs to stop until a full investigation into public transport options, especially rail from dee why-chatswood can be evaluated and compared to the proposed $15,000,000,000 stretch of road /tunnel that is the "beaches link". There has been some mention that Mike Baird was prompted to exclude public transport option from this project plan because large transport companies like Transurban were major political party donors and also may have struck a deal to provide Baird with a post political job within the transport industry, therefore, the project begun with a false and seemingly biased , even corrupt selection process that excluded any consideration of public transport - especially trains in its analysis of best solution to traffic congestion.
5. At $15,000,000,000 this project is unjustifiably expensive for the 16 km stretch of road/ tunnel that is outlines and thus must be analysed further with cost to benefit. However, since the travel data contained within the EIS is out of date by up to 5 years, this is not possible, and thus such expenditure can not be justified.
6. This project is unethical as it uses public money to make a private Toll road and as such is not for the benefit of the wider community. The tolls will be too expensive for most and this will encourage rat-racing and more traffic on local roads. The road/tunnel will never achieve its aim of reducing traffic.
7. Due to the phenomenon of 'traffic demand' , whereby in the absence of viable public transport options, such a project will only increase car travel and thus any short term reduction in traffic congestion along Military Rd and similarly congested roads will soon be reversed. This project is ill conceived and short sighted.
8. This project actually encourages car travel and further tolling in sydney. Major progressive cities around the world have all shown the negative effects of car congestion in their CBDs yet this project aims to increase car travel into Sydney's CBD. This is irresponsible planning and not in Sydney's long term interests.
9. The non-filtered emission stacks will emit the products from the 15 km tunnel over the suburbs of Baldgowlah, Cammeray and nearby North Sydney where there is a high concentration of preschool, primary and secondary schools. This is unacceptable since the increased car and diesel truck exhaust fumes contain several extremely toxic substances including tiny particles that are hazardous for human respiratory and circulatory health. This effect is heightened in the bodies of young children, so it is unacceptable that the tunnel emission stacks be not-filtered and located in such close proximity to schools.
10. The primary dig site at Flat Rock Gully is unsuitable as it will entail digging through layers of contaminated substances from an old dump site. The land could contain asbestos, toxic gases and other unknown items that were legally allowed to be dumped there last century. Digging at this site will also release noxious fumes and contribute to unacceptable levels of air, noise and traffic pollution. The numbers of truck movement along Flat Rock Drive is dangerous for other drivers on the road. Flat Rock Gully is home to several protected and endangered species including small bird populations, rock wallaby, powerful owl, lizards and many more creature catalogued by Willoughby Wildlife group WEPA. The report indicates the removal of 3 acres of bushland.
The risk of contaminating nearby and downstream Flat Rock Gully native wildlife corridor is unacceptable, plus further downstream contamination risk of Tunks park waters is unacceptable.
11. The proposed cofferdams to go in water off Northbridge and Seaforth is unacceptable, as is the dredging in that area to make way for the semi-submerged tunnel. The dredging will alter silt tidal patterns and damage the seagrasses and delicate marine ecosystems located in these waters. The waters have only recently returned to a high state of cleanliness as evidenced by recent sightings of seals and even a whale a few years back. Dredging these water will disturb decades old layers of harbour sludge containing toxic sediments. The toxic fallout from digging in these waterways will result in closing down valuable public amenities such as Northbridge Baths, and Northbridge Sailing Club. Any risk of contamination to these waterways is unacceptable and thus the tunnel must not proceed through this route.
12. The government has recently declared an 'open space' initiative/policy in which it seeks to protect precious open green spaces. This project is not in alignment with this policy as this project will result in bulldozing at Flat Rock Gully to make way for dig site and truck turning circle, plus destruction of various golf courses eg Cammeray Golf Course
13. The advertising material and marketing brochures for this tunnel clearly depict a bus travelling through it. However, we were told by an engineer at a Northbridge information session at our local golf club that the tunnel would be too steep to allow buses to travel in it. Therefore, the promotional material for the tunnel has been misleading and as such, has not been providing accurate information for community consultation. This is inappropriate for a significant State project, with false and misleading information. The project should be halted until such time that the EIS traffic data is current, covid-relevant and accurate with respect to whether or not buses will be able to travel in the tunnel.
14. The prime objective of population growth via immigration must now be re-assessed , given that we are now living with the ongoing threat of Covid. Therefore, the projected need for the tunnel is lessened and thus the business case weakened in current covid - times. The EIS makes no mention of current work travel time changes due to covid and is thus out-of-date and irrelevant on many counts.
15. The EIS is misleading when it shows maps for the route of the tunnel under Northbridge...the tunnels look as wide as Sailors Bay Rd..(2 lanes). The two tunnels will be 6 lanes wide.
In conclusion I object to this 'Beaches Tunnel' project going ahead on several counts. Namely the EIS is out of date, the business case doesn't hold up, the primary objective for the tunnel is biased away from public transport options and the project is too expensive and environmentally damaging for Sydney's precious natural habitat and waterways.
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 train 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, particularly rail. 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.
I strongly oppose the high cost of this project , especially when the net outcome of relatively small reductions in travel times data is evident. I recommend that similar traffic travel data outcomes could be achieved by improving current roads and public transport scheduling eg buses and trains, at a fraction of the $15 billion cost. Also, if the prime objective is to on sell this road/tunnel to a large transport toll company like Transurban - then the basis for this project is unjust as Transurban holds a monopoly over tolled roads in Sydney, so there is no assurance of best value spending of public money - this is negligent and irresponsible. This project does not have the best interests of the general public in mind. This project is narrow minded and its focus too short term to have any lasting positive impact.

Subject: Concerns - Design of Sydney Road Entry - Northern Beaches Link EIS
To whom it may concern.
Having carefully reviewed the latest design in the Environmental Impact Study (EIS) for the Sydney Road entry to the Beaches Link (BL) tunnel, my comments follow:
BACKGROUND
Residents from 7 suburbs - Seaforth, North Balgowlah, Balgowlah, Balgowlah Heights, Clontarf, Fairlight and Manly - are directly affected by the Sydney Road BL tunnel entry.
Residents travelling to and from the many suburbs north of us up the Peninsula are also directly affected given traffic already banks back up the Burnt Bridge Creek Deviation significantly during peak hours and many “rat run” through Balgowlah and Seaforth to avoid that Burnt Bridge Creek Deviation congestion, further clogging Sydney Road.
A Beaches Link tunnel solution was first mooted in detail in the early 1990’s, nearly 30 years ago. It is difficult to achieve politically. The solution that is needed therefore needs to be a solution that will last at least 30-40 years and allows for the ever-increasing density of living in the many suburbs surrounding, and to the North, of the Sydney Road BL entry. Once the BL is built, history shows us that it will be a long time before the Government’s focus returns to the Sydney Road entry to the BL.
ISSUES/PROBLEMS WITH THE EXISTING DESIGN
The existing design for the Sydney Road entry to the Northern Beaches Link tunnel has several major faults:
1. It introduces 3 new sets of traffic lights on Sydney Road, on the new Access Road through Balgowlah Golf Course, and on the Burnt Bridge Creek Deviation immediately before it enters the new tunnel. These new sets of traffic lights will cause traffic to bank up along Sydney Road - which is already congested, particularly at peak hours - quite likely back to Woodland Street to the East in the morning peak, and back to and through the Sydney Road/Manly Road intersection to the West in the afternoon and other peaks. They will also cause traffic to bank further back up the Burnt Bridge Creek Deviation to the North in the morning peak given the new set of traffic lights immediately before the Burnt Bridge Creek Deviation enters the new tunnel.
2. It completely alters the traffic flows for residents into Upper Balgowlah, Balgowlah Heights, Clontarf, and some parts of Seaforth and Fairlight. It has taken decades to get these traffic flows right as they now are. Maretimo Street is the major access to these suburbs having no traffic lights and good visibility on entry to Sydney Road, no speed bumps, and being the only wide street joining Sydney Road in Balgowlah. If it is cut off to entry to the new tunnel, as proposed, then residents will have to use either Wanganella Street (a narrow street with speed bumps + a primary/sub-primary school on it + traffic lights to Sydney Road) or drive further East to Seaview Street (narrow + a primary/sub-primary school on it + a thriving car service business which straddles both sides of the road + now 2 more sets of traffic lights) to access the tunnel. In other words, residents of these suburbs will have to travel circuitously around these suburbs congesting currently quieter streets in order to access the new tunnel. On exit from the BL tunnel narrow Wanganella Street will be the only option unless cars travel much further east through a further set of traffic lights to access Woodland Street - this access is dangerous and been the source of many accidents despite few people using it - it involves turning across the traffic speeding up the hill. It also clogs up Sydney Road by taking out the main lane through the Balgowlah Shops whilst cars queue up behind any car turning right into Woodland Street. Further, Woodland Street has speed bumps and narrows as it goes in to upper Balgowlah.
3. Residents will no longer be able to access the BP Petrol Station on the corner of Maretimo Street and Sydney Road if coming from the City either via the new BL tunnel or Manly Road. This is the only petrol station in the area.
4. The proposed design is most wasteful of valuable public land being the existing Balgowlah Golf Course. This land could have many uses now and in future years as it is so ideally located right near the BL tunnel entry/exit. The proposed Access Road and proposed placement of the new BL Service Centre both consumes, and compromises, use of that land.
SOLUTION TO THESE ISSUES/PROBLEMS (see attachment)
There is a simple solution to all of these issues now that the Tunnel has been moved to sit directly under the Sydney Road/Manly Road intersection:
1. Build a short steep tunnel entry/exit one lane each way in the middle of Sydney Road near the Sydney Road/Manly Road intersection. These 2 one lane tunnels would connect to the BL tunnel underground with one entry tunnel joining the BL tunnel travelling South and one exit tunnel joining the BL tunnel travelling North. This ensures smooth and easy entry to and exit from the BL tunnel from Sydney Road, avoids the need for 3 new sets of traffic lights and a new Access Road and, as a result, improves traffic flows and travel times significantly from the proposed design.
2. Widen Sydney Road from the Sydney Road/Manly Road intersection to near Maretimo Street to allow for the 2-3 lanes taken out of Sydney Road by the 2 new one lane each way BL tunnel entry/exit roads. This returns Sydney Road to its current traffic capacity.
3. Remove the proposed Access Road through the Balgowlah Golf Course and the associated works and traffic lights on both Sydney Road and the Burnt Bridge Creek Deviation. This will enable traffic to flow freely along both Sydney Road and the entry to and exit from the new BL tunnel. It will also return valuable public land to the public and save significant costs.
4. Move the Service Centre to be sited either immediately before or above the BL tunnel entry with access to Burnt Bridge Creek Deviation on both sides of it. If this is not possible, site it on the existing Balgowlah Golf Course land but right against the Burnt Bridge Creek Deviation so it consumes as little land as possible.
5. Traffic flows and accesses to Sydney Road, including Maretimo Street, to remain as currently. This ensures existing access to upper Balgowlah, Balgowlah Heights, Clontarf, and some parts of Seaforth and Fairlight remains as currently. After decades of getting this right it currently works as well as can be expected for residents of these suburbs.
6. By leaving access to Maretimo Street as currently, residents can continue to access the BP Petrol Station on the corner of Maretimo Street and Sydney Road if coming from the City either via the new BL tunnel or Manly Road. This is the only petrol station in the area.
EASE OF CONSTRUCTION
Importantly, this solution significantly eases construction and traffic congestion during construction, by:
1. Eliminating the existing proposed works in and around the existing Balgowlah Golf Course and Sydney Road.
2. Significantly reducing the existing proposed roadworks required on the Burnt Bridge Creek Deviation thereby further reducing construction and traffic congestion.
3. The suggested new works on Sydney Road could be easily scheduled. The lanes into the City would remain unaffected. The lanes out of the City could be unaffected by building the suggested additional lanes on Sydney Road first and then re-directing the traffic from the City on to those lanes once it is completed. This would then free up the existing Sydney Road lanes out of the City for use in the construction of the 2 one lane tunnels connecting Sydney Road to the BL tunnel. This construction site would effectively be an island in the middle of Sydney Road until such time as it is completed and open to traffic. By so scheduling, all traffic can travel freely in and out of the City on Sydney Road throughout the construction stages of the BL tunnel.
PROJECT FUNDING
Funding for the above solutions would come from 2 sources:
1. $50m the Federal Government promised at the last Federal Election to assist in resolution of the above issues in respect of the Sydney Road entry to the BL tunnel.
2. Savings from NOT going ahead with the existing design inclusive of the 3 sets of new traffic lights, multiple new roadworks on the Burnt Bridge Creek Deviation and Sydney Road, and elimination of the Access Road and associated works through the existing Balgowlah Golf course.
The solution proposed solves all the problems of the existing design and returns substantial valuable land to public use.
I would be most grateful if you could seriously consider this email.
Kind regards,
Angus Robertson.

I object to the proposal for the reasons set out in the submission from the Willoughby Environmental Protection Association (WEPA) and also for the reasons set out in the submission from the Balgowlah Residents Group. The business case should be released. The the need for the project, and its superiority over public transport alternatives need to be demonstrated by way of a transparent process involving informed public engagement and consultation. The EIS does not contain the information necessary for members of the public to come to an informed opinion. It should be revised to address the concerns raised by WEPA , and put on exhibition for at least three months.

Here are some of the points we made, you might like to make too:
There are basic measures that the WHBTL and Government need to reasonably put in place to protect and ensure the safety of the local population. so that homes can remain livable and roads safe for local residents and in particular school children throughout the 6-8 (or more) years of disruption.
These measures are negligible in cost, but could save lives - and improve the economics of the projects but supporting traffic numbers while also improving the liveability and safety for all concerned in each suburb.
We have attempted numerous times to engage with The Honourable Gladys Berejiklian MP in person meetings or letters. Each of those attempts has been met with either cancelled meetings and/or generic replies that ignore entirely what we believe are constructive, helpful comments that both provide benefit to the commercial value of the WHBTL project, to the potential investors and debt providers, and support those in the area. The Government has clearly shown they are not listening to objections - or even basic safety requirements for the project. In consultations, these basic safety requests have been publicly ignored and brushed off.
We request that the following very basic and, we believe, beneficial for the project measures be established and harm to locals be minimised:
Build public transport, not more toll roads, that don’t support a long-term solution. This is a fundamental and basic flaw in the entire project. It is one of the world’s most expensive tunnels, planned to be built to support an area that for decades has said they don’t want public access to the rest of Sydney. So why build a toll road, other than to support property prices in Mosman? If it isn’t public transport, resolving traffic issues both within the beaches/Balgowlah and to and from - it shouldn’t be built.

In your vision for the Northern Beaches, it repeatedly claims planning that supports Climate change adaptation and resilience, lesser car dependence, which is at complete odds with putting in place a road that doesn’t support efficient public transport. (See here: https://shared-drupal-s3fs.s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/master-test/fapub_pdf/Local+Strategic+Planning+Statements/LSPS+2020/Northern+Beaches+Council%2427s+LSPS+Towards+2040+v5+12+March+2020+-+low+res+%2428for+sharing%2429+-+uplodaded+27+March+2020_S-1026.pdf)
Limit truck movements to weekday working hours, 7am-6pm. Current advertising attempts to mislead people stating very specific ‘soil filled trucks’ will limit movements within work hours. This doesn’t tell the full story, which is that “There may be occasional deliveries and some movements outside of standard construction hours” (See: https://www.rms.nsw.gov.au/projects/01documents/western-harbour-tunnel-beaches-link/whtbl-noise-and-vibration.pdf. ) Please define what ‘occasional’ means and the types of trucks involved and ensure that noise levels for those living on Brook Street and Sailors Bay or other Northbridge, Naremburn, Artarmon and Cammeray roads are measured and trucks are all limited to working hours. It is not fair to subject residents on Sailors Bay, Brook Street, Artarmon, Cammeray and other roads to 24 hr a day movements of frequent trucks on a road that does not normally carry this type of traffic - as RMS themselves have in community consultations confirmed.
Adequately, transparently and publicly monitor noise, vibration and pollution (including water and diesel in particular) before and during the works. This has not been done adequately in the area, because the negative outcome is expected. RMS members have also stated at council sessions that they know some of the biggest risks to health and safety will be diesel fumes from trucks. This is a risk to Cammeray, Naremburn, Northbridge and Artarmon residents as truck numbers increase to transport concrete, workers, equipment and remove tunnel fill.
Implement a 50 km/h zone on Flat Rock Drive and Brook Street before work starts and permanently and safety measures for all trucks travelling along Sailors Bay Road, Brook Street and in Cammeray, echoing both the safety being put in place for truck drivers and workers (40 km/h) and precedents on state roads Ernest Street and River Road.

The RMS Beaches Tunnel states the need for Truck drivers and workers on site to have traffic lights and 40 km/h zone on site for safety. There is no reason why truck drivers would need this level of safety, yet local school children and the local community do not. Many driveways onto Brook Street are very short and cars need to reverse in or out of their own driveways. The very few large trucks heading down or uphill at speed that are currently on the road have already caused numerous crashes or near misses (many not recorded on the RMS websites). There is precedent for State roads being lowered to 50km/h including Ernest Street and River Road, where locals have significantly more turning space and less safety issues currently on Flat Rock and Brook Street.
This also further supports use of the tunnel and is a basic, cost free safety measure that there is no excuse not to implement.
Install traffic lights across Slade Street and Grafton Avenue, to protect (i) residents and importantly (ii) the thousands of school children who live in the area and/or cross over Flat Rock in order to get to their appointed school in their catchment area. You are putting in place traffic lights for the truck drivers so that they can enter the work site. It is entirely illogical that truck drivers would require this safety measure, while local residents and school children leaving their home every single day do not.
Proper street-side noise abatement program to be put in place, for those around the site as well as those who are subject to significantly increased traffic noises due to truck movements, both during and outside of work hours. This is along Flat Rock Drive and Brook Street, the South facing streets of Northbridge and should include proper noise abatement walls (not just timber). Flat Rock Drive and Brook Street while ‘State roads’ on paper, were designed as temporary roads, through an existing federation home area and haven’t been made to accommodate high truck volumes.

Compensate local businesses and communities that are forced to shut down, move out of their home, are unable to rent their home, have damaged homes (e.g. due to vibrations or toxicity of water or air) or need to spend on their properties (e.g. window glazing and other noise treatments) in able to have a liveable, safe space or viable business due to tunnel impacts. No compensation is currently proposed, yet some residents may not be able to live in their homes for up to 8 years safely due to impacts.
Ensure trucks cannot use air brakes and receive fines for using them. Air brakes would significantly impact Naremburn and Northbridge communities and should not be allowed for use.
Implement safe roads and crossings for children and residents - offering residents the same safety measures that workers and truck drivers are being offered and need. Some key areas of concern include: the intersection between Rosalind Street and Miller Street, where significant numbers of primary children from Anzac Park Public School in an already dangerous area, with 6 directions of traffic and the threat of heavy vehicles, known to significantly increase the risk of accident and death; Sailors Bay Road toward the dive site; and on Brook Street where the road does not currently take the extent of heavy vehicles and has significant safety issues. The Cammeray Public and Anzac Park Catchment areas cross Brook Street and many children walk to school and are in danger.

This question was posted at an RMS community meeting and was ignored, instead focusing on truck driver inductions on site and worker safety.

Why would truck drivers require safety measures that school children walking to and from school do not? Slow the road down to 50 km/h, implement traffic lights and proper protocols so that accidents don’t occur. Loss of life has hamstrung Infrastructure projects in the past - why would the Government not put in these correct safety measures, when they have already made it clear they are needed, as truck drivers will be provided with them?
Install cameras to monitor the speed limits on Flat Rock and Brook Street. This both drives Government revenue and encourages use of the tunnels. Government Infrastructure projects often run overtime and over budget. Placing stress on contracting companies to rush work, placing greater danger on local (and what you call ‘state’ roads.
Publicly release the traffic impact on local streets in Naremburn, Northbridge, Cammeray and even Mosman for the 8+ years the project is going ahead. 1,000s of daily truck movements on Naremburn (1 a minute or more) - will create traffic chaos on Strathallen, Small Street, Willoughby Road and other areas.
Properly assess and define the business case and the longevity of the traffic flows. Traffic count is a known area of critical error and poor investment decisions in previous Sydney toll roads. Are the traffic flows permanent? Are they driven by temporary building construction in Western Sydney or the Beaches? Is cutting down the time from Mosman to the Fish Markets (as advertised on project flyers) really what $14bn should be spent on? The beaches are a known area where local residents have said they don’t want increased access from greater Sydney. Is this the area money should be spent on, when 3-4 other Infrastructure projects connecting greater Sydney (or even Sydney to Brisbane!) could or have been built for this same amount of money? The Pacific Highway from Sydney to Brisbane and entire NorthConnex cost a fraction of the Beaches tunnel.
Implement a bus lane and at a minimum, bus stop on Brook Street. There are buses that routinely are routed to go along Flat Rock. Implementing a bus lane

As a resident of 2 Dudley street, Balgowlah. I strongly object to the project based on the disruption, noise, dirt & congestion the construction will have on our lives.

I object to the project on several grounds. My concerns include but are not limited to the following;
The site at Flat Rock Gully is contaminated, the site of a decommissioned tip. Water flowing through the Gully clearly has contaminates. Has an independent risk assessment been conducted on the site? What is the likely impact of soil removal on the local environment, and what are the longer-term impacts? These are questions I'm very concerned about. The proposed tunnels are not filtered, this is of grave concern to the local residents and nearby schools. Modelling needs to be carried out on the feasibility of including filtration systems.
From an overall environment prospective the Beaches Link and Gore Hill Freeway is tantamount to environmental vandalism. Public transport links are a far more sustainable option for long term transport. Has a full public transport analysis been conducted to look at viable options? These need to be looked at seriously as the environmental footprint from this project impacts not only local communities, the local wildlife, waterways, recreational facilities, and the biodiversity of the local fauna.

I object to the unfiltered ventilation stacks, especially the lack of consideration to local schools such as St Cecelia’s and Balgowlah Boys. Although the EIS attempts to justify this, the evidence from other forward thinking countries is contrary. Plus, having spent this last year mostly confined to home and noticing the periods of still winds, not filtering the stacks is going to cause heavy smog and poor air quality. I request that the tunnel is filtered and ventilated throughout and the stacks are moved away from the local schools where my children will be breathing everyday for the next 16 years. I note the recent case of a young girl (Ella Adoo-Kissi-Debrah) in the UK whereby the cause of death was air pollution....is this really the way of the future?

I object to the destruction of the local habitats and wildlife. I request that the trees and dam on Balgowlah Golf Course be recognised as valuable resources and retained. The EIS indicates there is no plan to replace the dam and this will result in the loss of local and endangered wildlife. The proposed Sports fields will not replace this loss.

I object to the instrumental impact the proposed project will have on the local community. From what is a relatively quiet neighbourly community with safe streets to what will become a constantly disrupted, noisy and over used area. Having two young children, sleep is invaluable and to have the proposed noise and vibrations will severely disrupt our sleep patterns. Having recently suffered severe sleep deprivation, I am petrified of what is to come. The EIS does not provide sufficient evidence of how these disruptions will be mitigated. We are facing 7plus years of major inconveniences in the local area to build a majorly flawed tunnel, which will not improve congestion and travel time as proposed. It will only bring in more traffic and warrant the need for more housing making the area busier and worse off than it is now. I request that other viable transport solutions be looked at, ones which are more environmentally friendly and sustainable and ones which will not cause such monumental disruptions to the community.

Having been part of this community for 10 years and having chosen to raise my family here, I strongly object to the Beaches Link Tunnel. This is not the answer we are looking for. Our generation needs to be smarter and think ahead. This tunnel, having been talked aboutn for the past 30 years(?) is outdated and a waste of valuable resources. Please look to the future.