King Georges Road Interchange

I support the proposal and Westconnex in general but do not agree with the cost savings measures that has been included in this upgrade with the narrow 3.2m lanes in parts.

The standard width of traffic lanes is 3.5m. Narrower lanes do occur but I am not aware of them on motorways in NSW where vehicle speeds are in excess of 100km/h. This creates a dangerous situation, exasperated by the number of heavy vehicles that use this road. A buffer around your car is important and is in fact in the road users handbook.

I would rather prefer the shoulder width to narrow than to narrow the traffic lanes. This makes more sense. I understand the outer shoulder width remains at least 2.5m.

I also understand that to create the necessary space the whole interchange would need to be demolished and this would be very expensive. This is the price that is paid when planners do not have foresight when the M5 East was built. Learn the lessons and do not make them again.

I write to express my absolute opposition, in the strongest possible terms, to the WestConnex M5 King Georges Road Interchange Upgrade. I believe that the project, which is meaningless without the much larger WestConnex project (see 1 below), is flawed and misguided. The urban problems faced by Sydney will not be addressed by vast new motorway construction - a response which, it seems, only Australia among nations of the developed world seems not to have learnt is doomed to failure.

The proposal represents an out-of-date and dangerous approach to a real problem. Experts in traffic modeling and transport planning have demonstrated that the construction of larger urban motorway systems does not solve or even relieve the problem of traffic congestion in anything but the shortest of terms: in fact they generate higher levels of uptake in road use which rapidly exceed the capacity of the new road, in the mean time leaving the urgently-needed complementary provision of high-quality public transport alternatives denuded of support. The proposal is also out of line with the clear better wishes and needs of Sydney's population (see 3 below), which has been increasingly seeking to use public transport over roads; and with the solutions that look to the greater health of the environment and its human population.

I do not want my children to grow up in a city that is polluted and congested, that is run, effectively, by property developers, and where ordinary citizens are kept in the dark about decisions that affect them so directly. I want to live in a city that I can be proud of, which leads the way in sustainable urban development - WestConnex would be a missed opportunity for Sydney to shine.

Given the extremely short period allowed for public consultation, I am obliged to keep my comments brief. I confine them to three principal points:

1 The WestConnex M5 King Georges Road Interchange Upgrade is only one segment of the much larger WestConnex project. The EIS shows that any success that may be claimed to emerge from this part is predicated on the entire project being implemented. Given the fact of its integral relationship to the other phases of the WestConnex project, it would be wrong to approve the M5 King Georges Road Interchange Upgrade. Such approval would prejudice judgment on its later phases. The entire WestConnex project should be presented and considered as the whole which it is advertised to be.

2 Moreover, the later stages propose environmental threats on a larger scale. They involve the destruction of rare and precious segments of inner south-west Sydney's few remaining native environments, notably a substantial (2 ha.) section of the Wolli Creek bushland Western Gateway. This is home to a unique combination of rainforest, transitional ecosystems, ancient and rare tree species, a substantial biodiversity contribution to NSW's broader ecosystem, and is a crucial section of a passageway for numerous rare and endangered species of birds, to which it also offers a sanctuary and environment for breeding. It is essential to the health of the city's south-west that this environment, which was rescued from destruction planned by the original M5 tollway, be preserved and defended for future generation.

3 The EIS completely fails to address the potential solutions provided by public transport to the real problems facing Sydney's transport systems. Appetite and demand for public transport in Sydney is on the increase. See esp. the NSW 2011/12 Household Travel Survey, which shows that in the past decade, the demand for trains in Sydney has grown by 23%, nearly twice the extent of the increase in the city's population over the same period (12%); while the demand for buses has similarly increased at a rate (16%) greater than that of the population.

4 The claim in the EIS that the M5 King Georges Road Interchange Upgrade will damage only `degraded small fragments of woodland habitat' (p. 131) and that `[i]mpacts on threatened ecological communities would be limited to approximately 0.01 ha of low condition remnant vegetation and the removal of about nine Downy Wattle (Acacia pubescens) individuals' (p. vi) misrepresents the extreme rarity of the latter species. The current less than fully healthy state of the specimens noted in the EIS is doubtless due at least in part to previous Road and Maritime Service activity in constructing the original M5West and the present King George's Road interchange, and a failure to make subsequent adequate arrangements for the care of this rare fauna. However, reduced condition of these trees can be improved by careful bushcare and is no excuse to accept its elimination.

Sydney needs all the roads it can get. It is now impossible to make a journey across Sydney from any point A to any point B with any certainty of arrival time.
What I think needs serious consideration is the unfair way in which road tolls are levied. Some are free. Some are very expensive if one used them every day. Some have discriminatory fee imposts such as the M5. I am self-employed. I can't travel for nothing! (rebate system doesn't apply).
My approach would be to have fees on all major roads at a very low level of cost for each journey. IGB.

This and other projects must be built as soon as possible. Our image as a developed nation is fast falling behind even under developed poorer nations. When people arrive at Sydney International Airport and see what an inadequate fiasco that is, and then travel along any of the major roads leading away from the airport, are bemused in the least.
We need ""Vision" as well as politics, Westconnex is only part of that vision, we need a lot more and we need it now.

Sincerely S. Strachan

The EIS hasn't fully considered the alternatives to expanding the road.

The Government's priority is to ensure that public transport forms the backbone of the region.

As public transport alternatives are already over capacity, these need prioritising over the M5.

On windy days the noise from the M5 can be very loud at my address. I'd like to see the following noise mitigation done during construction:

1. Taller noise walls;
2. Taller and denser vegetation grown alongside the motorway;
3. Banning of noisy pneumatic braking by trucks near residential housing;
4. Better policing and banning of noisy exhaust by trucks - I believe that exhaust noise couldn't possibly have passed registration

I understand that you will double the lane number to current Eastbound M5 and that would affect me and my family directly in terms of noise and pollution. And I've heard that would not do anything to minimise that affect. That's definitely not right and I do not know the basis of your decision although you have installed a noise monitor device at my place in September 2014. For me and my neighbours, the minimum you have to do is to make the barrier walls higher to minimise the noise and to increase the vegetation to minimise the pollution.

yours sincerely

I am living in the area which will be affected by this project however I never be informed for the information session held on 1 Nov 2014. I AM VERY UPSET.
Based on your propose, you are going to remove most of the vegetation along the road and I want to know how you are going to compensate the damage to the environment.
The expansion will lead to more traffic and I want to know what your noise control plan is. The current noise level is already so bad and I really want to know how you are going to compensate us for the suffering.
I believe local residents should be adequately compensate environmentally and monetary.

1) The extension of the road bridge across Coolongatta Rd at Beverly Hills, approx. 16m either side of the current bridge, will have a significant noise impact on the houses in Elouera Street S. The bridge will allow noise to penetrate up the bridge opening as the opening will be far greater as the M5 is widened. This will be especially true during "special event" noises such as truck retard braking which will be greatly increased as more trucks are funnelled onto the M5 to and from KGR. I would request that the clear barrier to be installed to the current bridge width be extended across the whole bridge.
2) Number 4 Elouera Street S is not currently entitled to noise mitigation measures although neighbours will receive this. However No. 4 is closer to the bridge opening and the same distance to the road once extended. I believe that No 4 should be more thoroughly assessed to receive these noise mitigation measures.
3) The proposed height of the noise barrier adjacent to Elouera Street S is to increase by only 0.5m. This is far lower than the walls on the other side of the M5 which are approx. 5m. By increasing these noise barriers to a greater height the noise of the M5 will be more significantly defected away from residential areas.
4) We have great concerns over the council nature strip adjacent to Elouera Street S. This area has been instigated by the residents of Elouera Street S when the M5 was first built. The residents have cared and maintained plants and trees in this area for many years. We would demand that this area be strictly protected and not driven through or trashed by workers or vehicles.

Most of our street do have concerns with upgrade of M5 on our backdoor.

Dust - There will be plenty of it concerns that we a small child if will be breathing problems and dust going into my home.

Noise - Night time disturbing us especially our little one.
As now we can here M5 very clear with trucks and King Georges rd.

Movement - Concerns all the digging will disturb the grounds and cracks will appear in our home.

Flooding - Has not been any good rain lately when it does concerns of flooding in backyard as floods now in heavy rain. Happen month ago.

Trees - As you are taking out the mature trees out will like mature trees to back in not only for the appearance but the breeze we get especially on the hot days.

Elderly/ all the walkers and bike riders etc. - That use the paths make sure the ground will be even so no accidents happen.

Disturbing the all mouse/rats etc. - Moving around our yards they will need to go some where unless you are going to get rid of them.

We understand changes are needed but please think of all neighbours and all area where last few years so many families have moved in and a lot of very elderly are now in the area since the last upgrade 15 years plus.

Most of our street do have concerns with upgrade of M5 on our backdoor.

Dust - There will be plenty of it concerns that we a small child if will be breathing problems and dust going into my home.

Noise - Night time disturbing us especially our little one.
As now we can here M5 very clear with trucks and King Georges rd.

Movement - Concerns all the digging will disturb the grounds and cracks will appear in our home.

Flooding - Has not been any good rain lately when it does concerns of flooding in backyard as floods now in heavy rain. Happen month ago.

Trees - As you are taking out the mature trees out will like mature trees to back in not only for the appearance but the breeze we get especially on the hot days.

Elderly/ all the walkers and bike riders etc. - That use the paths make sure the ground will be even so no accidents happen.

Disturbing the all mouse/rats etc. - Moving around our yards they will need to go some where unless you are going to get rid of them.

We understand changes are needed but please think of all neighbours and all area where last few years so many families have moved in and a lot of very elderly are now in the area since the last upgrade 15 years plus

Most of our street do have concerns with upgrade of M5 on our backdoor.

Dust - There will be plenty of it concerns that we a small child if will be breathing problems and dust going into my home.

Noise - Night time disturbing us especially our little one.
As now we can here M5 very clear with trucks and King Georges rd.

Movement - Concerns all the digging will disturb the grounds and cracks will appear in our home.

Flooding - Has not been any good rain lately when it does concerns of flooding in backyard as floods now in heavy rain. Happen month ago.

Trees - As you are taking out the mature trees out will like mature trees to back in not only for the appearance but the breeze we get especially on the hot days.

Elderly/ all the walkers and bike riders etc. - That use the paths make sure the ground will be even so no accidents happen.

Disturbing the all mouse/rats etc. - Moving around our yards they will need to go some where unless you are going to get rid of them.

We understand changes are needed but please think of all neighbours and all area where last few years so many families have moved in and a lot of very elderly are now in the area since the last upgrade 15 years plus

Most of our street do have concerns with upgrade of M5 on our backdoor.

Dust - There will be plenty of it concerns that we a small child if will be breathing problems and dust going into my home.

Noise - Night time disturbing us especially our little one.
As now we can here M5 very clear with trucks and King Georges rd.

Movement - Concerns all the digging will disturb the grounds and cracks will appear in our home.

Flooding - Has not been any good rain lately when it does concerns of flooding in backyard as floods now in heavy rain. Happen month ago.

Trees - As you are taking out the mature trees out will like mature trees to back in not only for the appearance but the breeze we get especially on the hot days.

Elderly/ all the walkers and bike riders etc. - That use the paths make sure the ground will be even so no accidents happen.

Disturbing the all mouse/rats etc. - Moving around our yards they will need to go some where unless you are going to get rid of them.

We understand changes are needed but please think of all neighbours and all area where last few years so many families have moved in and a lot of very elderly are now in the area since the last upgrade 15 years plus

Most of our street do have concerns with upgrade of M5 on our backdoor.

Dust - There will be plenty of it concerns that will be breathing problems and dust going into my home as I am elderly.

Noise - Night time disturbing us especially our little one.
As now we can here M5 very clear with trucks and King Georges rd.

Movement - Concerns all the digging will disturb the grounds and cracks will appear in our home.

Flooding - Has not been any good rain lately when it does concerns of flooding in backyard as floods now in heavy rain. Happen month ago.

Trees - As you are taking out the mature trees out will like mature trees to back in not only for the appearance but the breeze we get especially on the hot days.

Elderly/ all the walkers and bike riders etc. - That use the paths make sure the ground will be even so no accidents happen.

Disturbing the all mouse/rats etc. - Moving around our yards they will need to go some where unless you are going to get rid of them.

We understand changes are needed but please think of all neighbours and all area where last few years so many families have moved in and a lot of very elderly are now in the area since the last upgrade 15 years plus

Most of our street do have concerns with upgrade of M5 on our backdoor.

Dust - There will be plenty of it concerns that we have small children if will be breathing problems and dust going into my home.

Noise - Night time disturbing us especially our little one.
As now we can here M5 very clear with trucks and King Georges rd.

Movement - Concerns all the digging will disturb the grounds and cracks will appear in our home.

Flooding - Has not been any good rain lately when it does concerns of flooding in backyard as floods now in heavy rain. Happen month ago.

Trees - As you are taking out the mature trees out will like mature trees to back in not only for the appearance but the breeze we get especially on the hot days.

Elderly/ all the walkers and bike riders etc. - That use the paths make sure the ground will be even so no accidents happen.

Disturbing the all mouse/rats etc. - Moving around our yards they will need to go some where unless you are going to get rid of them.

We understand changes are needed but please think of all neighbours and all area where last few years so many families have moved in and a lot of very elderly are now in the area since the last upgrade 15 years plus

Most of our street do have concerns with upgrade of M5 on our backdoor.

Dust - There will be plenty of it concerns that we small children if there will be breathing problems and dust going into my home.

Noise - Night time disturbing us especially our little one.
As now we can here M5 very clear with trucks and King Georges rd.

Movement - Concerns all the digging will disturb the grounds and cracks will appear in our home.

Flooding - Has not been any good rain lately when it does concerns of flooding in backyard as floods now in heavy rain. Happen month ago.

Trees - As you are taking out the mature trees out will like mature trees to back in not only for the appearance but the breeze we get especially on the hot days.

Elderly/ all the walkers and bike riders etc. - That use the paths make sure the ground will be even so no accidents happen.

Disturbing the all mouse/rats etc. - Moving around our yards they will need to go some where unless you are going to get rid of them.

We understand changes are needed but please think of all neighbours and all area where last few years so many families have moved in and a lot of very elderly are now in the area since the last upgrade 15 years plus

Most of our street do have concerns with upgrade of M5 on our backdoor.

Dust - There will be plenty of it concerns that we are Elderly if will be breathing problems and dust going into my home.

Noise - Night time disturbing us especially our little one.
As now we can here M5 very clear with trucks and King Georges rd.

Movement - Concerns all the digging will disturb the grounds and cracks will appear in our home.

Flooding - Has not been any good rain lately when it does concerns of flooding in backyard as floods now in heavy rain. Happen month ago.

Trees - As you are taking out the mature trees out will like mature trees to back in not only for the appearance but the breeze we get especially on the hot days.

Elderly/ all the walkers and bike riders etc. - That use the paths make sure the ground will be even so no accidents happen.

Disturbing the all mouse/rats etc. - Moving around our yards they will need to go some where unless you are going to get rid of them.

We understand changes are needed but please think of all neighbours and all area where last few years so many families have moved in and a lot of very elderly are now in the area since the last upgrade 15 years plus

Most of our street do have concerns with upgrade of M5 on our backdoor.

Dust - There will be plenty of it concerns that we are Elderly if will be breathing problems and dust going into my home.

Noise - Night time disturbing us especially our little one.
As now we can here M5 very clear with trucks and King Georges rd.

Movement - Concerns all the digging will disturb the grounds and cracks will appear in our home.

Flooding - Has not been any good rain lately when it does concerns of flooding in backyard as floods now in heavy rain. Happen month ago.

Trees - As you are taking out the mature trees out will like mature trees to back in not only for the appearance but the breeze we get especially on the hot days.

Elderly/ all the walkers and bike riders etc. - That use the paths make sure the ground will be even so no accidents happen.

Disturbing the all mouse/rats etc. - Moving around our yards they will need to go some where unless you are going to get rid of them.

We understand changes are needed but please think of all neighbours and all area where last few years so many families have moved in and a lot of very elderly are now in the area since the last upgrade 15 years plus

Most of our street do have concerns with upgrade of M5 on our backdoor.

Dust - There will be plenty of it concerns that we have a small child if will be breathing problems and dust going into my home.

Noise - Night time disturbing us especially our little one.
As now we can here M5 very clear with trucks and King Georges rd.

Movement - Concerns all the digging will disturb the grounds and cracks will appear in our home.

Flooding - Has not been any good rain lately when it does concerns of flooding in backyard as floods now in heavy rain. Happen month ago.

Trees - As you are taking out the mature trees out will like mature trees to back in not only for the appearance but the breeze we get especially on the hot days.

Elderly/ all the walkers and bike riders etc. - That use the paths make sure the ground will be even so no accidents happen.

Disturbing the all mouse/rats etc. - Moving around our yards they will need to go some where unless you are going to get rid of them.

We understand changes are needed but please think of all neighbours and all area where last few years so many families have moved in and a lot of very elderly are now in the area since the last upgrade 15 years plus

Most of our street do have concerns with upgrade of M5 on our backdoor.

Dust - There will be plenty of it concerns that we have a small child if will be breathing problems and dust going into my home.

Noise - Night time disturbing us especially our little one.
As now we can here M5 very clear with trucks and King Georges rd.

Movement - Concerns all the digging will disturb the grounds and cracks will appear in our home.

Flooding - Has not been any good rain lately when it does concerns of flooding in backyard as floods now in heavy rain. Happen month ago.

Trees - As you are taking out the mature trees out will like mature trees to back in not only for the appearance but the breeze we get especially on the hot days.

Elderly/ all the walkers and bike riders etc. - That use the paths make sure the ground will be even so no accidents happen.

Disturbing the all mouse/rats etc. - Moving around our yards they will need to go some where unless you are going to get rid of them.

We understand changes are needed but please think of all neighbours and all area where last few years so many families have moved in and a lot of very elderly are now in the area since the last upgrade 15 years plus