Beaches Link and Gore Hill Freeway Connection

Objection to the Beaches Link EIS
Air Quality and Tunnel Filtration
I vehemently object to the Beaches Link EIS because the proposed tunnel is too long for the type of ventilation proposed and does not use international best practice in its tunnel and stack ventilation proposals.
Problem:
Unfiltered emission stacks will be located at the Warringah Freeway at Cammeray, the Gorehill Freeway at Artarmon, Burnt Bridge Creek Deviation at Balgowlah and Wakehurst Parkway at Killarney Heights. All are near homes, schools, playing fields. In addition, all are subject to the Sydney Basis effect, whereby particles cannot escape up into the atmosphere under certain weather conditions.
Recommendation:
The tunnel should be ventilated with a traverse system, not longitudinal.

I strongly object to the project for several important reasons. Firstly building a huge tunnel primarily geared towards cars lacks any kind of foresight of the NSW government. Developed and developing countries around the world are investing in more efficient modes and routes of public transport. The Covid 19 pandemic has also changed the way we work, with more workers electing to work from home at least part of the week and it is predicted will this will continue into the foreseeable future.
Secondly I am absolutely shocked that almost 20 hectares of Garigal National Park and Manly Dam Memorial State Park are going to be cleared to widen the Wakehurst Parkway. Much of this area is ENDANGERED Duffys Forest vegetation. It beggars belief that the NSW state government has a system to protect the environment but then has no qualms in disregarding it as it pleases. Widening the Wakehurst Parkway into a 6 lane highway in parts will split this important area of urban bushland in half. This will without doubt impact on important wildlife corridors which are crucial to keep the genetic diversity of all native animals and plants in the area.
Having such a super Highway running across the ridge above Manly Dam Memorial State Park will destroy the quiet peaceful ambience of the Park. Noise pollution and light pollution at night will be detrimental to many of the nocturnal wildlife in the area. During the current pandemic it has been well documented that the things people have really appreciated is being in nature. Having a 6 lane highway running through this unique urban bushland will take away the peace and relaxation that being in nature provides.
I hope the NSW government takes these opinions into account as I know it is how much of the community feels.

In 2021 with a climate crisis on our hands I find it incredibly disappointing that the only option the state government can come up with to ease congestion traveling to and from the northern beaches is to build a tunnel that will just put more cars on the road. Public transport has to be the way forward, yet there is no real consideration to this. Building more roads and tunnels is not a solution and exerts have backed this up, for example Independent transport expert Dr Michelle Zeibots reports traffic problems in the area will be back to the same as exist now within 2 years of the tunnel opening.
Leaked government documents show that real consideration of public transport options was not considered prior to the commencement of the concept. Before this project commence real consideration should be given to public transport options and a independent cost-benefit analysis for all transport options should be publicly released.

I whole heartedly object to the fact that unfiltered smoke stacks are being planned for this project, people’s health should be a priority not cost saving. My child is currently at daycare in Balgowlah and is due to attend Balgowlah Boys school around the time the tunnel is open. It is very disturbing that the smoke stacks are so close to so many schools and daycare centres. The pollution and toxins that will be getting pumped out from the tunnel will undoubtedly affect the health of local residents and children. I believe the modelling in the EIS is flawed as insufficient emphasis has been placed on the exposure peaks. The ventilation stacks SHOULD have filters on them, while the EIS may conveniently claim it is safe not to have filters, health experts disagree – there is no safe level of exposure to the kind of toxins that will be coming out of these stacks.

I object to the impact this project is going to have on the environment. Beautiful local areas such as Clontarf will experience high levels of pollution. This is a recreational area and habitat for wildlife where it should be safe for people to swim and wildlife to live. Controls must be in place to ensure levels of toxins in the water are within safe levels.
The loss of habitat, trees and potential loss of rare species such as the Gondwanan Climbing Galaxias fish due to poor water quality in places such as Manly Dam and its catchments are unacceptable. Guarantees must be in place that control measures to monitor pollution will be adequate and firm guarantees are needed that waterways will not become polluted and essential habitat will not be lost.

The EIS does not address noise pollution adequately. For people living near the construction there needs to be guarantees that measures are in place to protect them from noise and vibrations. Residents should be entitled to know as a condition of approving the project how they will be protected whether that be noise walls or the provision of double glazing. Mitigation of noise cannot be dealt with later, the community needs upfront information.

The EIS has also not fully addressed when night work will occur. This should not be left to the discretion of the contractor at the time and should be provided upfront and community consultation should take place around this.

I am very concerned about the impacts of the large amount of heavy vehicles that the construction works will bring to the area. I am concerned about pedestrian safety, congestion and noise pollution. Restrictions must be placed on the volume and timings of truck movements carrying spoil that ensures local streets are not impacted. Our streets need to be safe.

I object to the lack of thought that has gone into the traffic congestion that will occur during construction and once the tunnel is built. Many local roads and intersections will become problematic and little work seems to have been done to assess the effect the project will have on the local road network. TfNSW needs to address these problems and not just make them a problem for Council to sort out. TfNSW needs to upgrade roads and intersections where necessary and put in control measures such as speed bumps where necessary, ie in Balgowlah – Bardoo, Woodbine, Kitchener, Wanganella and Rickard Street.

Objection to the Beaches Link EIS
Health and Safety
I vehemently object to the Beaches Link EIS because the construction as planned has too many serious negative impacts. These impacts cannot be sufficiently offset with the “benefits” associated with the outcomes.
Problem:
Negative impacts include:
• Air quality during construction, due to construction dust, toxic waste handling and storage, emission associated with >900 truck movements per day.
• Air quality on completion, due to unfiltered emission stacks.
• Contamination risks to marine and land eco-systems.
• Contamination risks to water quality.
• Ground born noise and vibrations, for some people 24/7.
• Ground subsidence impact.
• Loss of 3,000 trees.
• Disruption of wild life corridors, and potential extinction for a wide range of invertebrates.
• Traffic impacts, including flow, safety and noise associated with more than 900 truck movements per day on Flat Rock Drive.
• Loss of green space at Cammeray Golf Course, the construction of a 6 storey eye-sore and the impact of losing that water supply for North Sydney’s parks.
• Traffic chaos for North Sydney, due to tunnel entry/exit points and street closures.
• Increased difficulty for accessing expressway routes.
• Increased difficulty for accessing local amenities, including schools, shopping precincts, playing fields.
• A resulting loss of community.
• Personal financial concerns in relation to property values in the North Sydney LGA.
Recommendation:
The Beaches Link project must be reviewed and amended so that impacts on the residents of the North Sydney LGA are addressed.

Before investing any further money in this project, please rethink the options available such as improving public transport, increasing bus services, increasing city zone tolls in peak and shoulder periods, maximising the Military Road corridor with 24/7 clear ways (by providing alternative parking hubs), and reconsidering options for the Warringah Rd corridor to name a few. The proposed freeway exit at Burnt Bridge is a monstrosity that doesn’t link to another freeway - there will be traffic congestion around Manly Vale and suburbs further north as cars exit the freeway and revert to suburban traffic conditions. There are better ways to stimulate the economy than expensive projects that don’t deliver the desired outcomes to NSW taxpayers and Northern Beaches residents.

The Peppermint Grove Community Association (DP270715), at a recent General Meeting, have discussed the potential for impacts from the proposed Beaches Link and Gore Hill Freeway Connection upon the community property and assets. Given the proximity and alignment of the tunnel and the associated construction works and methodologies, we request that the applicant engages with the community to ensure that potential impacts are:
- clearly identified and considered through open and independent communications
- monitored through the pre-construction, during construction and post construction phases of the project.
- reported openly and independently
Of concern to the association members (which is in addition to the concerns of individual members/residents) is the potential for damage due to methodologies such as rock hammering over extended periods and moreso the potential for blasting in close proximity to the community areas.
Kind regards,
Peppermint Grove Community Association

I am aligned with the views of Northbridge Progress association and fully support their views.

I am especially concerned about the disruption and viability of both the swimming and sailing clubs if the water quality and restricted access to parts of middle harbour caused by the project.

Regards Colin McCall

I object to the Beaches Link Tunnel Project as proposed in the EIS for the Beaches Link Tunnel and Gore Hill Freeway Upgrade

I am a student at Mackellar Girls Campus and I am horrified by the damage the Beaches Link will cause to our local environment.

The widening of Wakehurst Parkway to make a 4-6 lane freeway will cause pollution in the waterways at Manly Dam. 39 football fields of bushland will be cleared as well as 2,000 trees. The road will be raised several metres in some areas - so you will see and hear it, day and night, for miles around. I love mountain biking on the tracks in this area – these will be unusable for many years. I love walking in the bushland and find pockets of peace when away from the Wakehurst Parkway. You will hear this new widened road everywhere in the park. And I love swimming in the Dam and dread the pollution that has been predicted.

The Burnt Bridge Creek will die as its flow is to be reduced by 96%. I often cycle along this creek corridor and it is a beautiful tranquil place. I have recently learned that the creek supports many important species in a delicate ecosystem, including a colony of flying foxes. This ecosystem is at serious risk of being wiped out forever.

The EIS states that during construction, 425,000 litres of waste water will be washed into Manly Lagoon at Queenscliff every day. How will this affect swimming at Queenscliff Beach? I often surf there and I am very concerned.

The construction of the tunnels across Middle Harbour will require dredging of the harbour sediments. The sediment contains toxic chemicals which will wash under the Spit Bridge, posing a major threat to the marine environment and the amenity of Clontarf and Sandy Bay. This is a favourite place for my family and friends to have picnics and walk dogs.

It is essential that you take every possible measure to protect the waterways and native habitats during and after construction. These measures must be written into the contracts and big fines issued for breaches.

This destruction seems so pointless. The Beaches Link is just another road, pouring more cars onto Sydney’s jammed urban motorways. So much concrete, noise, pollution and so many people going nowhere fast. Other cities have given up trying to keep everyone moving in cars. We need public transport solutions.

Please reconsider this project and instead build a metro line from Chatswood to Dee Why. I ask you to also develop trackless trams, amazing bike lanes and more express buses. When I am old enough to drive, I want to have other options for getting around Sydney. Driving is stressful, polluting, socially isolating, dangerous to pedestrians and cyclists, expensive and unhealthy. It is time to move Sydney forward from car dependency. No more urban motorways, thank you.

To Whom It May Concern,

I wish to hereby lodge my objection to the proposed Beaches Link and Gore Hill Freeway Connection.

The grounds for my objection relate to the lack of filtration on the exhaust stacks. This is not worlds best practice and is unacceptable for a heavy residential area with multiple schools and children related activities. Furthermore, the residents who will be subjected to increased pollution levels are not the anticipated beneficiaries of this project and hence a solution which more effectively balances the benefits and costs within the same user group should be applied.

Your consideration in this matter is appreciated.

Garigal Landcare supports extension of well designed public transport and active transport infrastructure not roads. Providing more roads, invites the use of more cars, which is at this stage of climate emergency irresponsible and further damaging the already grim situation of climate change we are experiencing.
Irreversible destruction of bushland has already happened for the Frenchs Forest hospital,along Warringah Road, Frenchs Forest road, Mona Vale Road and adding road intersection especially the Wakehurst Parkway. Often the bush was of of good quality and of high conservation value, that was a known threatened ecological community.
Bushland corridors of highest priority also got destroyed and nil mediating artificial links were put in place.
Now this piecemeal necrosis is proposed to continue with again destroying Duffy's Forest Ecological Community, the known threatened ecological community restricted to a few hilltop locations nearly exclusively on the Northern Beaches and only around the proximity of the Narrabeen Lagoon Catchment to Duffy's and Frenchs Forest area.
In total over 15ha of Bushland would be destroyed, if this ill designed project goes ahead. On top of this waterways will be impacted severely by altered down flows and this will include the streams that are habitat for the climbing galaxies, one of our ancient relicts and icons in the Manly Dam Catchment.
Manly Dam is at this stage still fit for primary contact, which is not duplicated by others in the Sydney area. It is a valuable asset, not deserving any risks.
Any increased road capacity should only be constructed for public and active transport inviting people to switch to this mood of transportation.
Of further concern are noise and light impacts during construction and ongoing after, wildlife barriers presented in concrete or as light or noise barriers and air quality issues esp around the vents.

While I support the construction of the tunnel to ease traffic congestion on the Northern Beaches, I do not support the destruction of critical environmental habitats and particularly the Burnt Bridge Creek. Removal of water in this creek will destroy the natural environment and habitat for many endangered species. In addition to this my understanding is that the exhaust stacks will not be filtered to reduce pollution in the surrounding areas which I find unacceptable and inconsiderate to the local population.

Our submission is as attached

Hi there
As a long term resident of North Balgowlah, I would like to object to the Beaches Tunnel project and I support the submission made by Richard Wokes on behalf of the North Balgowlah Public School. I feel the environmental damage has been understated in the EIS and the health and wellbeing of the local community has not been effectively taken into consideration. I am gravely concerned about the overuse of public funds, in an area that does not require this type of infrastructure. I recommend this be reconsidered completely.

In a time when most of the world is moving to a net zero 2050 target and trying to make cities sustainable it seems strange that we are adding more roads, with increased pollution and damage to existing ecosystems, instead of finding sustainable option to transport people.

Naremburn Action Group objects to the Beaches Link and Gore Hill Link project on the basis that Naremburn is an historically significant suburb representing many examples of original buildings from the 1800’s. It was one of the first suburbs settled on the North Shore and the first in Willoughby. Many persons of historical note have lived here and contribute to its significance to our State’s Heritage ie Henry Lawson. Despite its history the suburb has been intersected and dislocated by both the Warringah and Gore Hill expressways and is currently being overshadowed by increasing levels of high rise development. The Beaches Tunnel will pass under Naremburn at a relative shallow depth and the EIS confirms significant vibration and noise impacts as well as drawdown and settlement issues. In fact Naremburn is specifically noted as coming under the cumulative pressures of several stages of both the Warringah Freeway and the Beaches Link works. What has not been sufficiently scoped within the documents is the combined impact of tunnel constructions on our old homes which have shallow foundations on clay soils. NAG asks for a reassessment of the risk and potential loss of heritage and a reconsideration of the route to align under main roads and industrial area rather than areas of significant historical value. 

Should the project be approved we ask that trucks not be allowed to Marshall or idle in the Naremburn Conservation Area, the tunnel to be dug at a deeper depth and for it to be fully lined to minimize drawdown impacts. We also ask that due to the age of buildings that properties across the area are provided with an independent assessment and any damage or stability issues are prioritized for repair to prevent further loss of heritage.

Please find attached an excellent history of the area which explains Naremburn’s significance, its contribution to our State’s development and the impacts it has already had to bare due to road building . It is noted that Naremburn receives no benefit from the construction and suburbs that do benefit bare very little impact. This is not equitable. This seems to be a repeating pattern throughout history and given that Naremburn is far older than many surrounding suburbs the choice to continually subject it to road impacts appears to be an attempt to completely obliterate the history of the area.  

Please see attached an account of the rich history of the area:
https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=&ved=2ahUKEwjg2qjOrobvAhVP8XMBHUTyC3YQFjABegQIAxAD&url=https%3A%2F%2Flibraries.willoughby.nsw.gov.au%2Ffiles%2Fsharedassets%2Fpublic%2Fecm%2Fwilloughby-city-library-website%2F1-the_naremburn_story.pdf&usg=AOvVaw2s88SAc_icZSZtrOW_YvYe

Julie Waddington
Steering Committee of the Naremburn Action Group (NAG)

See submission in attachment

I OBJECT to the destruction of Flat Rock Gully!
I object on the basis below and still need to see:
1. A full contamination study of the soil in the old tip site before construction begins
2. A full risk assessment to the threatened species of flora & fauna at the site
3. Regular water monitoring of Flat Rock Creek and contaminants
4. Regular air quality monitoring with real time ALERTS that go off when the pollution / contaminants reach dangerous levels. This same sort of ALERT could be needed on the west side of Flat Rock Drive
5. A promise of replacing the 390 trees with better walking and cycling tracks.
I am concerned by over 500 truck movements per day – trucks will a constant and ever-present sight and sound for residents each weekday and from 7am-7pm on Saturdays. This noise will travel through the gully and upwards to residential areas.
7. I recommend an offer to residents in proximity to the dive site to be compensated for the cost of double glazing the windows of their homes to mitigate sound as the tunelling will be operating 24/7.
8. A full risk assessment and remediation plan be devised for the catchment area - from Flat Rock Creek to Middle Harbour

I am a cyclist who uses the cycleway alongside the Gore Hill Freeway at Artarmon most days and am concerned that the proposed alternate route, which I have trialed, is dangerous and not safe nor fit for the purpose of a detour, I therefor request that any approval of the proposed Beaches Link:

Include Bike North as a stakeholder with full involvement through the life of the project

At all times and places ensure a safe environment for bike riders and pedestrians as a result of construction, including any truck access route

At all times and places ensure any diversion/detour or final bicycle routes are separate from vehicles, protected from heavy vehicles and to Austroads Standards and approved by TfNSW, Active Transport

With regard to the cycleway alongside the Gore Hill Freeway at Artarmon ensure that access along the path remains continuous, safe and easy to use. Any necessary detour should:
Be minimised to continue along the existing alignment wherever possible.
Provide separation from vehicles, protection from heavy vehicles, to Austroads standards and TfNSW Active Transport approvals.
Be included as part of the overall site design, rather than fitting around a pre-determined site design.
Be based on final designed path as much as practical.
At all times be developed in consultation with Bike North with timely notification of any adjustments.
Provide an underpass of the railway line preferably connecting to Punch Street, so as to avoid steep hills and merging with vehicles on and around railway overpass road
Preferably provide an underpass of Herbert Street
If detoured away from the existing cycleway alignment, connect directly back to the path from Waltham Street to avoid Reserve Road.
With regard to construction of the Herbert Street / Hampden Road bridge over the motorway
Ensure safe access for people riding along this on-road bicycle route
Provide a widening of the bridge to enable a fully separated cycleway across the bridge as part of the proposed Willoughby Council Chatswood to St Leonards separated cycleway

With regard to Flat Rock access site
Ensure safe access for people riding along the detour which is to full Austroad standard and TfNSW Active Transport approved.
Provide continuous access to both Small Street, Willoughby and Sailors Bay Road, Northbridge to the north AND to Market Street East to the south AND the underpass of Flat Rock Drive to the west.

With regard to provision of new cycling facilities as required for any transport project
Include an extension of the existing cycleway which terminates at Merremburn Avenue, Naremburn to West Street at equivalent standard including protection from the motorway and total separation from vehicles through an overpass bridge.

I object to the beaches link tunnel for the following reasons: Wakehurst Parkway will be a 4-6 lane freeway across a narrow escarpment, causing ongoing pollution into sensitive creeks and waterways at Manly Dam and Garigal National Park. 39 football fields of bushland will be cleared as well as 2,000 trees.
The proposed Plans will devastate Burnt Bridge Creek as its flow is to be reduced by 96%, destroying a delicate ecosystem that supports threatened species including the flying fox colony.
• During construction, 425,000 litres of waste water will be washed into Manly Lagoon at Queenscliff every day. That is a disgrace!
• At Middle Harbour, toxic chemicals in the harbour sediment will be disturbed during dredging, posing a major threat to the marine environment and the amenity of Clontarf and Sandy Bay.
• Balgowlah Golf Course site will be completely cleared of vegetation and native habitats during construction to allow for parking for some of the 3000 workers daily, enormous road headers, a concrete batch plant, rock crushers and acoustic sheds.
• 500 heavy trucks per day will trudge past Bally Boys (high school to 1300 children) – one per minute.
• Burnt Bridge Creek Deviation will end up 12 lanes wide near Seaforth.
• Unfiltered exhaust stacks in Balgowlah and Seaforth would emit double the maximum limit of particulates recommended by the World Health Authority, covering a 1.2km radius per stack. This is unacceptable in an area of natural beauty, wildlife & residential dwellings.
Proposed plans will increase congestion & create dangerous ‘rat runs’ on our local roads, both during and after construction. Traffic is not going to magically disappear underground. New sets of traffic lights on Sydney Road and Burnt Bridge Creek Deviation will quickly cause queues to build up in areas already jammed with cars.