Moorebank Intermodal Precinct West - Concept & Stage 1

Please do not put the Intermodal at Moorebank. We want to raise our children in this lovely community with clean air and reasonable traffic. Please put it where it wont impact on existing communities.

I wish to formally object to the proposed freight terminal at Moorebank due to the following reasons -
- Increased traffic on an already congested M5
- Increased noise & air pollution
- increased potential for pollution to be discharged into the Georges River
- Increased traffic in and around surrounding suburbs, including Wattle Grove & Casula.

We are against this proposal progressing. As residents in nearby Wattle Grove, we believe that not enough consideration has been given to the noise, increase of traffic and additional pollution that will be generated by this facility. We are not against the proposal in totality, but join with the Liverpool Council in suggesting that the facility should be located in an appropriate area, such as Badgerys Creek which will house the new airport and have the facilities and infrastructure to handle it.

10/06/2015
I object to the intermodal at Moorebank.
These plans for an intermodal at Moorebank were put in place before a final decision was made regarding Badgery's Creek Airport- the decision to go ahead with Badgery's Creek changes the landscape of freight transport in Sydney and it is logical that previous plans and locations for an intermodal would need to be reassessed in light of the recent developments regarding Badgery's Creek.
Liverpool City does not have mountain views or an ocean- but it does have Georges River which has been underappreciated. Instead of degrading the city with more pollution and transport problems, which will lead to further social and economic decline in the area, why not have a win-win situation. An intermodal near Badgery's Creek (logical to most people's thinking), leaving the potential for the beautification of Liverpool. But that's just an opinion of a person with a social conscience and a soul...something that is obviously lacking in some of the MIC personnel. I hope they don't believe in an afterlife because disregarding so many people's lives doesn't put you on an escalator to heaven, it takes you on a special SIMTA/MIC freight train to somewhere else. A least they'll all know each other in the carriage.

Thank you for your letter of 26 May 2015 Moorebank Intermodal Terminal Response to submissions.Ref: SSD 5066
Terminal gets the Go-Ahead - Federal Government has approved the development of the Moorebank Intermodal Terminal. This was the front page of the Liverpool Leader Wednesday, June 10 2015.
I am an Australian, I have faith in Democracy. We do not live in a Communist Country where the Government does what it wants, we have procedures and being Australian we appreciate free-speech." Why has the Government approved this project prior to your approval, this would indicate it is a done deal. If this is the case I am disappointed of being an Australian and the Government we have elected.
Craig Kelly Hughes MP he was disappointed with last week's announcement.
Melanie Gibbons Holsworthy MP she is urging residents not to give up fight against the development of a freight hub in Moorebank. She is appalled. She thought they would listen to the Community but have been taken for granted.
Ned Mannoun Mayor of Liverpool , he told Mr Abbott It was a very, very short sighted decision. He is still pushing for it to be at Badgerys Creek .All the local residents do not support this proposal as they know it is in the wrong location and will not be a functional business that will survive. It is my opinion that Civil Action will be taken against the developer and the Government in the near future because the system was corrupt. The impact this will leave in the area will be a issue that will never go away. It is never too late to stop a proposal that will devastate the area of Liverpool.
Cheers
Robert Storey

its a shame what's happening around this area. 2 intermodal and a recycling area next to a river. Truck will slow the traffic around liverpool, apparently someone says that the volume of the business " intermodal" will bring in our street a truck every 20 seconds, as if our roads are not busy enough. There are so many no residential area, going to blacktown, why moorebank? Because strategically will suit the company, saving money on the transport of the cargo. How much more will cost this company in petrol and in time to travel an extra half hour per truck every day? I prefer pay a little bit extra on my council rates, to equalise the lost from the company , if they will decide to move.

I oppose the moorebank intermodal!
I was born in hammondville and grew up in the area. Started an apprenticeship in Liverpool and worked my way through to become a tradesman! Like joe hockey said, get a good paying job and save hard! We saved so hard to to get a deposit for our first home and my wife and I made the leap and purchased the home we thought was going to be a great spot to bring up our family!Wattle grove is made up of young families and retirees! It has been established for over 20 years!! And now they want to dump the largest intermodal in Australia in our back yard!!! Iam no expert on where it should be but I know that it is a big mistake to put it in moorebank! There is no way our roads could possibly handle it! The constant noise of trucks starting up, air brakes, trains arriving departing 6+ times a day, cranes lifting and loading containers, alarms and horns because of heavy machinery moving objects and it is all proposed to be a 24 hour operation on our door step! its just not Australian to dump this on our community! if the site for the new airport is going to have new roads, new rail and no neighbouring communities even I can see it makes sense! This proposal should be reconsidered!
It would not be a happy healthy life for us tax paying Australians,living in our own country with such terrible conditions in our back yard! Give us a fair go!

As has been conveyed in many forums, the Moorebank site is not suitable for this intermodal! This has been stated time and again by residents of Wattle Grove and Casula and yet no notice is being paid to the concerns of the residents of this area. it can therefore be concluded that the so called consultation is just a sham! Pollution is what our leaders are promising! Air pollution, noise pollution, environmental pollution, light pollution, not to mention clogged roads etc etc etc. Is this what we want? A resounding NO! What did the people in this residential area do to deserve this? Please show some leadership and reject this proposal which is just corporate greed. Our Council, our representatives in both state and federal parliaments oppose this as well. They are the voice of the people. Are you going to listen to them?

As has been conveyed in many forums, the Moorebank site is not suitable for this intermodal! This has been stated time and again by residents of Wattle Grove and Casula and yet no notice is being paid to the concerns of the residents of this area. it can therefore be concluded that the so called consultation is just a sham! Pollution is what our leaders are promising! Air pollution, noise pollution, environmental pollution, light pollution, not to mention clogged roads etc etc etc. Is this what we want? A resounding NO! What did the people in this residential area do to deserve this? Please show some leadership and reject this proposal which is just corporate greed. Our Council, our representatives in both state and federal parliaments oppose this as well. They are the voice of the people. Are you going to listen to them?

SSD-5066

As a resident of Wattle Grove for over twenty years until last year, I am extremely disillusioned with our federal and state political elite for backing the construction of an intermodal in a residential growth hub of Western Sydney in complete defiance of the people and their elected representatives. Whilst it may be accessible by motorways and freight rail, the plan to build in Wattle Grove, which is home to tens of thousands of families and many schools is a stunning example of a failure to plan for the future of NSW. On the one hand the politicians are backing an airport in Badgerys Creek, but on the other hand, a pollution prone intermodal hub is being saddled on the hard working families of Western Sydney without even considering that it should be closer to an airport and away from mums, dads and kids growing up in peaceful suburb. Personally, my parents have chosen to retire in Wattle Grove and are now faced with a threat to their health and wellbeing.

As has been conveyed in many forums, the Moorebank site is not suitable for this intermodal. This has been stated time and again by residents of Wattle Grove and Casula and yet no notice is being paid to the concerns of the residents of this area. It can therefore be concluded that the so called consultation is just a con to go through there motions of consultation. Pollution is what our leaders are promising. Air pollution, noise pollution, environmental pollution, light pollution, not to mention clogged roads. Is this what we want? The answer is no. What did the people in this residential area do to deserve this? Please show some leadership and reject this proposal which is just corporate greed. Our Council, our representatives in both
state and federal parliaments oppose this as well. They are the voice of the people. Are you going to listen to them?

The SSFL backs onto my property. Regardless of what the pollution and noise studies reveal, I know that the SSFL has already had a detrimental affect on my family and that the increased noise of additional trains once the intermodal opens (even at reduced capacity) will only increase the problem. Sound barriers along the rail corridor from Glenfield to Casula have to be part of the initial works when the project begins. It is not fair to the residents to build a a rail line in their backyard without barriers and then to increase those trains to "just below" acceptable noise volumes without mitigating the rail noise. I understadnd the need for the intermodal but be fair to residents.

This is such an outrageous proposal to establish such a facility amongst thousands of tax-paying local residents who will be living & working in the surrounds of this immense freight hub bringing with it a quality of life which will be intolerable for both residents and intermodal employees alike.

Pollution from excess diesel & dust, traffic congestion from insufficient access on & off M5 motorway with increased truck activity, raised temperatures during summer months and health issues due to ALL of the objections aforementioned. THIS IS NOT A VIABLE PROPOSAL TO BUILD THIS MOOREBANK INTERMODAL. Not to mention the waste of tax payers money on a project that has no precedent in world history for success in such a placement as Holsworthy/Moorebank. These freight hubs should be out in wide open spaces many many miles from human habitation.
NOT a good idea from either governments or private consortiums. Health issues will be an issue for those who remain living in & around this area and again the final fiasco will be in many millions of dollars wasted on such a scheme as this!

I am totally opposed to the Moorebank Intermodal proposal. The proposed terminal will have a hugely negative impact on:-

(a) The environment - fauna, flora, Georges River
(b) Air quality
(c) Noise levels
(d) Traffic movements in an area already congested
(e) Local community lifestyle, safety and wellbeing

I feel that it is senseless putting an intermodal in a high density residential area. Badgery's Creek would be a better proposal.

I am writing to vehemently oppose the Moorebank Intermodal as it is great injustice to the local Liverpool area.The area has similar traffic flows to the Sydney harbour bridge and hasn't the same infrastructure to support it.The diesel emissions associated with the trucks locomotives vans would expse residents to up to 120 increase of cancer rates and this totally unacceptable and residents will do what they seem necessary to stop this impact on their families.The area next to the Moorebank Intermodal has some of the most valuable endangered species plants and flora in Australia like the koala and Cumberland woodland plain powerful owl etc.With 450000 new residents expected in the south west Sydney in the next 25 years traffic is tipoped to increase 10 told and a delay of 1km is expected on the M5 which makes the possibility of coping with the extra 10000 trucks and 5723 extra cars vans a impossible task with the gridlock on the M5 a 24/7 situation.Our research has revealed that noise in Port Botany travels 3km and this project will be very close to residential areas and my personal experience where I witnessed load noise in the recently upgraded defence supply depot a worrying experience for local residents.the matter of sending heavy freight through heavy residential areas has to stop there are much better options and if placed at a less congested site it would be able to be better accfomadated.The area has a very bad health record due the badly polluted nature of the area and with the largest number of residents with diabetes and large lung cancer and asthma rate and a higher mortality rate it is obvious this project has no place in this area.With the NSW Government planning ametro train network to bankstown in the future to have a container terminal just done 8 km away is poor planning by the government.The container trade is a very automated trade and the jobs created would be few and much mo5re job intensive industries would be a greater help for employment

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Our organisation has ascertained that if the Moorebank Intermodal proceeds it will result in the local road network running 53% over the local road network capacity .How can any government ot organisation run a container terminal under these conditions it is pure madness.Everyone is selling short one of the most valuable environmental areas in Australia which has many threatened and endangere4d species and plants and flora that is unique to this area .The level of diesel emissions that would be generated will have massive impact on our residents our wildlife our Georges River,Hoslworthy army reserve and unique precious parks and historic buildings like Glenfield farm.This is pure lunacy and if it proceeds their will be many who have a lot to answer for.The health of residents is atrocious due to the present pollution and contamination and further pollution will be deadly

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The pollution and contamination from the projects will be toally unacceptable.I know that next to these projects the cancer risk will be 1000 in a million and it doesent decrease noticeable until 1 mile.With thousand of residents within this area it poses a unacceptable risk which cant be mitigated.The normal cancer risk in a normal community is 8 in a million..I am aware of many contaminated areas in the project zone and if the project proceeds this will be added to the pollution risk.I know a youth until 25 body is not fully developed and these projects will have a greaterimpact on them.I have seen research whyere a kid can have health problems within 45 minutes and adult in a 1 hour .The pollution from these projects will expose many residents to unnecessary risk from PM10 and Pm 2.5.Also I have great fears for the wildlife ,Georges River,aquatic species.Casula Powerhouse Art centre which do many programmes for Kids and residents wth disabilities.The area is a bad health area and I cannot believe any responsible government or organisation impact such a area..You couldn't have found a worst site if you tried the whole project has been deeply flawed from the start

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The Georges River is one of the most flood prone area in NSW and in the recent floods in Liverpool showed that the only secure intersection was the M5 and Moorebank Avenue with 2 roads closed any others close to closing.You cannot run a container terminal in these type of circumstances and with the road network going to be 53 % over capacity by 2030 what they are trying to achieve is impossible.The area picked for a container terminal is shocking and a worst spot couldn't have been chosen.The people behind these projects are ignorant of the impact on the area.The pollution noise impact on wildlife georges River and historic areas like glenfield farm are a national disgrace.Our Koalas will be decimated and other wildlife will desert the area causing environmenjtal disasters

I very much opposed to the Moorebank Intermodal Terminal at Moorebank for several reasons:

It's proximity to suburban development already there.
Traffic congestion.
Noise pollution.
Air pollution.
Detrimental affect on Casula Powerhouse Arts Centre.
Detrimental affect on Georges River use and proposed recreational development of the river and riverbank.

It makes so much more sense to have the freight terminal at Badgerys Creek close to theproposed airport and not affecting so many people living there as would affect at Moorebank.

The Environmental Impact Statement prepared by the Moorebank Intermodal Company (MIC) states that the proposed Moorebank intermodal will allow imports and exports to grow through Port Botany. This will mean additional traffic on the already congested road network. 10,000 heavy vehicles per day will need to access and leave the terminal utilising the M5 and local roads.
The MIC state that an additional intermodal is required to reduce supply chain costs; however, it is questioned how the proposal at Moorebank will assist in reducing these costs. The proposed terminal in Moorebank will include transferring freight by rail less than 25 Kilometres from Port Botany, while increasing the handling costs of the supply chain with containers having to be loaded and unloaded multiple times in a very short distance. Infrastructure NSW has also questioned the viability of short haul freight and the funding of additional intermodal facilities until this has been properly investigated. That being the case, the increase in capacity at Chullora should be investigated with proper planning for a true intermodal at Badgerys Creek. Jenny Wiggins, in her Sydney Morning Herald article, states that Asciano is primed to invest $112 million to `compete "vigorously" with its own intermodal terminals', for example Chullora, and challenge the Moorebank intermodal essentially casting doubts over the economic viability of the Moorebank site (Wiggins, J., 2014, `Asciano challenges Moorebank freight hub', Sydney Morning Herald, 2 July 2014).
To truly reduce supply chain costs, the intermodal location should be moved to Badgerys Creek, a facility more than 40 Kilometres from the Port with access to key roads such as the M7 and the proposed M9. This location will also have the capacity to support future growth centres and will allow for airfreight. The M9 motorway will provide `a direct link between the Central Coast and the Illawarra, connecting the growth centres of Camden, Penrith and Windsor' (O'Rourke, J., 2014, `What Sydney needs to transport us to the future', Daily Telegraph, 3 November 2014). An intermodal at Badgerys Creek demonstrates good strategic and growth planning.
Why Badgerys Creek is a better location than Moorebank
The MIC, in their Environmental Impact Statement, attempt to describe why Moorebank has been selected as a location. However, Badgerys Creek is better suited to meet the criteria that the MIC has listed.
Badgerys Creek is an ideal location for an intermodal terminal to handle both interstate and import-export freight. This is because it is:
* long enough for interstate freight trains without the need for trains to be broken up and shunted, creating unnecessary additional noise in the area;
* big enough to handle the number of container movements required - up to 1.1 million twenty foot Equivalent Units (TEUs) per year of import-export freight and another 500,000 TEUs per year of interstate freight. This is a greater capacity than the proposed Moorebank site;
* strategically located in an area where a new rail line is planned for the airport;
* near the M7 Motorway, a link to the West and North West where it has been identified by Deloitte that most of the container freight will be headed, and accessible to the M5;
* near the proposed M9 Motorway, providing the ability of the intermodal to service future growth centres;
* near the Western Sydney Employment Area (WSEA), future industrial areas and future freight markets in Western Sydney, where two-thirds of container freight received at Port Botany will be transported.
* further from Port Botany than the Moorebank site, making rail a viable alternative to trucks, and reducing supply chain costs;
* in development, meaning that truck access can be configured into the $3.5 billion already allocated to the surrounding road infrastructure network rather than upgrading roads that are already at capacity in the Moorebank precinct; and
* owned by the Australian Government and available for use consistent with the airport.
Problems with the Moorebank proposal
The Moorebank site constrained by a number of issues:
* The area is already suffering from significant traffic congestion, the addition of an estimated 10,000 truck movements and approximately 5,000 passenger car movements per day will exacerbate this congestion.
* The Planning and Assessment Commission (PAC), following their community meeting on the SIMTA proposal, has identified that the Moorebank area is already suffering from significant traffic congestion. `The community has strongly argued that the proposal is only going to move the congestion from Port Botany to the Liverpool/Campbelltown region. The Commission understands the Moorebank site is constrained by the surrounding residential and industrial land uses and the already heavily congested local and regional road network. If the concept plan were to be approved with the levels of throughput proposed by both SIMTA and MIC, then clearly the community's case is strengthened.' (2014, Planning and Assessment Commission, SIMTA assessment).
* The SIMTA Concept plan was approved by the PAC on the basis that they are limited to 250,000 TEU's, plus an additional 250,000 ONLY if the road network is able to handle the volume of heavy vehicle traffic. This being the determination made by the PAC, and in the absence of a master plan that would have enabled the commission to assess the impact of both proposals as part of the one process, this limit should apply to the operation of both SIMTA and Moorebank intermodal sites combined. TEU's should be limited to a total of 250,000 in this precinct.
* The economic viability of the site has been questioned due to the limits placed by the PAC on the number of TEUs SIMTA can move through their terminal. Chief Executive of Asciano has also questioned the economic viability of the site as previously mentioned, stating that Asciano plan to invest $112 million in their sites to increase capacity and making Chullora more competitive, able to handle an increased capacity from Port Botany, and open for operation before Moorebank (Wiggins, J., 2014, `Asciano challenges Moorebank freight hub', Sydney Morning Herald, 2 July 2014). With the Chullora intermodal capacity increased to 800,000 TEU it will easily be able to support increased in freight through Port Botany while the Badgerys Creek site is planned and constructed.
* The Moorebank site is surrounded by water on all sides. This means that the complex road and rail upgrades needed to service an intermodal in this area will be extremely costly. Liverpool Council has estimated these upgrades are likely to cost in excess of $750 million.
* There are significant problems relating to air quality, construction and operational noise impacts created by the intermodals. A proposal of this size and nature should not be earmarked for a residential area.
* The PAC determination of the SIMTA proposal has already revealed that Particulate Matter 2.5 levels in the local area are close to or above the advisory criteria for this pollutant, this applies to the current background levels as well as the predicted impacts. Additional diesel and liquid natural gas powered vehicles in this area will exacerbate this problem.
* Noise impacts, light spill and air pollution will have a detrimental effect on the local community, some of whom live as close as 400 metres from the site. Residents around Port Botany living as far as three kilometres from the port are affected by these factors; many residents in Chifley for example have been very vocal about sleep disturbance in the online domain.
* The Moorebank site will have a detrimental impact on the Casula Powerhouse Arts Centre. The presence and accessibility of an art and cultural facility in a low socio-economic area, such as Liverpool, is essential for positive community growth.
Problems with the process
The Freight Infrastructure Advisory Board (FIAB) recommended a master plan for the site, this was not undertaken. Residents agree the SIMTA and MIC proposals should have been considered as a single precinct application. This has created an unfair advantage for the proponents with confusion being created among the community with both proponents presenting different figures. The fact that both proposals were assessed separately also means that media attention highlighting the different stages of the planning and assessment process has also created confusion in the community. Coupled with this, the relocation of the Defence National Storage Distribution Centre (DNSDC) and the current construction works at Holsworthy Barracks have also exacerbated this confusion with many people within the community thinking the proposal is already in its construction phase.
Liverpool Council, in meeting with PAC expressed disappointment that a master plan was not undertaken and confirms that this has created confusion within the community `The ad hoc approach .........leaves gaps and inconsistencies in the information available resulting in a lack of transparency and reduced faith in government decision making.'
A master plan would have reduced this confusion and allowed the community to better understand the impacts these proposals will have on their family, friends and neighbours. It would have allowed the community to better refute claims made by the proponents, and have a much greater grasp of any proposed mitigation strategies for this proposal.
The MIC has also created confusion and doubt within the community, adding to a reduced faith in government process and decision making. They have done this first by splitting their figures. Rather than telling the community that there will be 1.55 million TEUs going through the site, they have split these figures between import-export and interstate. And rather than stating that there will be an estimated 297 train movements expected at the site, they have again split these figures to make them sound lower. The Liverpool Leader, in their article `Intermodal company gives community $1m for compensation package but concerned residents aren't buying it', reports on community concerns around the consultation process. This `compensation package' will be completely inadequate to address the impacts this proposal will have on the area, and made MIC seem like it was trying to `buy community support'. At the same time MIC also made a highly publicised donation to the Liverpool Mayoral Ball, which Liverpool Council subsequently rejected (Hansen, N., 2014, `Liverpool Mayor knocks back $5k ball donation from intermodal group but the cash is still destined for charity', Liverpool Leader, 22 August 2014).
An intermodal at Badgerys Creek would not require this level of compensation, as it can be properly planned for a suitable area; it also has residential and council support.
Second, the Sydney Morning Herald in their article `Waterfront baron and Liberal Party donor scored inside running on freight hub tender' has highlighted a possible issue around transparency and due process in the awarding of tenders for the Moorebank precinct. In light of the recent ICAC investigations and the problems faced by the Newcastle community, transparency and due process are paramount in the government decision making process.
Key issues from the community
There were some issues raised by local representatives and the community at the PAC determination meeting on the SIMTA proposal. These have remained largely unchanged in relation to the MIC proposal.
Traffic and access
* The proposal will move the congestion from Port Botany to Moorebank, which is already congested;
* Modelling does not include the predicted growth of the region;
* The intersections and road network are already congested, how is it possible for the proposal to decrease traffic delays?
* Trucks `weaving' onto and off the M5 between the Moorebank and Hume Highway interchanges, this is going to cause accidents; and
* Trucks parking and taking short‐cuts through the nearby streets.
Noise
* There is no noise wall along the rail corridor along the Georges River, so noise will carry particularly at night;
* Noise from the unloading/loading and movement of containers within the terminal;
* Noise from the breaking and shunting of trains due to the site sizing constraints; and
* Wheel squeal from the trains exiting the SSFL, tight radius curves lead to wheel squeal.

Air quality
* Increased diesel fumes in the community generated from locomotives, heavy vehicles and other heavy equipment used on site;
* Health impacts from the increased diesel fumes;
* South‐west Sydney is already heavily polluted due to the topography; and
* Dust and odour, particularly during construction.
Two intermodal proposals
(SIMTA and MIC)
* There is an ad hoc approach to the two proposals;
* Cumulative impacts of the two proposals have not been adequately addressed; and
* Confusion as to the total traffic generated from the two proposals, as the modelling for each is different.

Heritage
* Removal of heritage features from the site, particularly those of military and indigenous significance.

Location
* Site is surrounded by residential development;
* Our Defence personnel live and work at this location; and
* Other sites are preferable, such as Badgerys Creek, which is not surrounded by an established community.
Moorebank Intermodal Company EIS presentation
There was considerable concern from the community over the presentation that was given for the MIC EIS submission. Figures and statistics presented by MIC seemed to be inconsistent and the facilitator tried, on a number of occasions, to ask the community to voice their concerns directly to MIC representatives rather than in the public forum. At each of the three sessions the facilitator kept stating that she was conscious of time; however, the community feel that their questions about a proposal that will impact their family and community deserved an answer, and are more important than clock watching. The number of questions from the community at the final community information session saw the session run over time.

Traffic and Transport
* The MIC recognised that there are significant transport and traffic congestion problems in the Moorebank precinct; however, they claim that the additional 8,160 heavy vehicles and 5,724 cars they predict to be brought into this precinct every day due to an intermodal will not have any further impact.
* The Chief Executive Officer of MIC stated that there would be approximately 1.6 trucks required per TEU. He also stated that 1,400,000 TEUs would be required to leave the terminal by truck. According to this statement, and given that heavy vehicles will have to both arrive and leave from the precinct, the figure of 8,160 heavy vehicles per day seems low, this actually equates to 12,376 heavy vehicles per day. For the purposes of this document the figure of 10,000 heavy vehicle movements per day has been chosen as a more accurate representation of the figures.
* The Chief Executive Officer of MIC also confirmed that the Moorebank intermodal will not take heavy vehicles off the M5 between Port Botany and Moorebank, and that as Port Botany expands the number of heavy vehicle movements on this stretch of the M5 is expected to grow. It should be noted that Labour Minister Anthony Albanese previously claimed that the Moorebank intermodal would take trucks off the M5; this fallacy gained a lot of momentum especially in the media and it has never been publicly corrected.
* Questions were raised by the community about the problem of Trucks `weaving' onto and off the M5 between the Moorebank and Hume Highway interchanges. MIC recognises this as a significant problem.
This `weaving' has the potential to cause a recognised `black spot', with potentially fatal consequences for the community. It is worth noting that a `black spot' is already located at the Nuwarra Road and Heathcote Road intersection, only 2 Kilometres from the `weave' site.
* The traffic modeller for MIC presented information about the predicted impacts on intersections both with the intermodal and without. Intersection surveys were undertaken on Tuesday 7 December 2010, and Tuesday 18 March 2014, in peak hours only. It is concerning that these surveys seem to only have been conducted on two days, four years apart, with the December date being in a peak holiday period.
* A Seven-day automatic traffic count was also conducted from Tuesday 7 December 2010 at only three locations along Moorebank Avenue. It is concerning that four year old data, gathered prior to a number of new and extensive residential developments in the area, is being used as a base for traffic modelling.
* The data presented by the traffic modeller showed a delay of over 200 seconds at some intersections when the intermodal is in operation. A 200 second delay, coupled with a 150-180 second cycle on a normal set of traffic lights is a significant impact (approximately six minutes at EACH set of lights), one that is likely to have flow on effects.
He has compared data, which is based on a scenario where the intermodal is operating with road and intersection upgrades, with predicted data based on no intermodal without road upgrades. This is not comparing like for like. Given that intersections in this area are currently operating at D or E classification (near or at capacity), it is hard to believe that the roads in the area will not be upgraded by relevant authorities to attempt to reduce congestion before they reach an F classification.
* It has been noticed that traffic figures do not take into account the recently announced WestConnex which will have major traffic implications on the M5 during construction; this coincides with the proposed opening date of the Moorebank intermodal.
The WestConnex project also aims to increase Port Botany by 272% more container ships by catering for a greater number of heavy vehicle traffic movements on the M5.
Labour Minister Anthony Albanese criticises the WestConnex `proposal for not going near Port Botany, where it is expected there will be a large rise in the number of container trucks'. He also questions the government's transparency, citing that `the decision to release new information about the impact of WestConnex on Melbourne Cup Day indicates to me that those who support this route are aware of its shortcomings and are keen to avoid public scrutiny.' (Saulwick, J., 2014, `Albanese pans plans for the WestConnex', Sydney Morning Herald, 10 November 2014).
* Residents are understandably concerned about the impact of intermodal traffic on local and residential roads. The MIC confirmed at the community information session that while they can implement some measures for traffic movements, it will ultimately be up to the design of the precinct, the way the precinct operators choose to use the precinct, and choices made by heavy vehicle drivers as to which route they choose to use. With heavy congestion on Moorebank Avenue and the M5, two of the key roads in the area, it is likely that Anzac Road and Cambridge Avenue will be used as `rat runs' for heavy vehicles.
* The MIC traffic modeller recognised that currently 6% of traffic on Anzac Road in the peak is heavy vehicle traffic; however he failed to include any heavy vehicle movements in his trip distribution figures for this road. In current heavy traffic conditions Anzac Road is a very attractive option, as demonstrated when the M5 is congested. Heavy traffic movements on a congested day are far higher than those measured by MIC. The omission of this traffic flow information from MIC data sets is hard to fathom. For the local residents, especially those with houses that back onto Anzac Road, it creates uncertainty and distrust in the accuracy of the information presented.
* The construction of an intermodal terminal at Moorebank shows a lack of strategic planning, particularly in relation to future traffic movements.
* An intermodal at Badgerys Creek will be a true intermodal with road, rail and air access. This area will serve the purpose of meeting the needs of future growth centres. The government currently has the ability to configure appropriate and safe truck access in the Badgerys Creek area with $3.5 billion in funding dedicated for road infrastructure.
Rail access
* MIC has predicted an additional 297 train movements each week, this figure does not include the interstate trains that may transit through the terminal.
* It was unclear how these train movements would impact residents in the area, due to three different rail entry options currently under consideration.
* Due to the length of trains, they will need to be broken up and shunted.
* MIC communicated that the actual rail entry will be decided once a tender for operation of the facility has been awarded. This makes it difficult for residents to understand the impacts of the rail access.
* It is unclear whether rail access will impact the passenger rail line and impact on travel times for people travelling by rail to the Sydney CBD.
* An intermodal at Badgerys Creek will not have the same rail implications. The size of the site will allow trains to remain whole within the terminal without the need for breaking and shunting.

Noise and vibration
* In order to ascertain acceptable noise levels in the area, the MIC have measured ambient noise levels between 2010 and 2011, and then from July 2012 to establish a base index. Approximately 20 of the 34 noise receptors set up and monitored by the MIC to establish this base index were located along train lines and major roads.
* Given that most residents in the area live in quiet, peaceful streets, it is a concern that the receptors set to ascertain the base index for ambient noise seems to have been placed in predominantly noisy locations.
* The residential suburbs of Casula, Wattle Grove and North Glenfield are the closest communities to the Project site; however, these will not be the only locations impacted by the noise generated from the proposed intermodal.
* In a recent article in the Sydney Morning Herald it was learned that `After more than a year of residents around Port Botany being told the night time noises they were complaining about did not exceed "sleep disturbance criteria", the Environment Protection Authority has admitted they were right.' (O'Brien, N., 2014, `EPA admits it was mistaken about Port Botany noise levels', Sydney Morning Herald, 17 August 2014).
* Residents in the precinct are understandably concerned that noise levels will exceed those acceptable. Above acceptable noise levels can have health impacts including: annoyance, sleep disturbance, performance issues (reduced concentration), cardiovascular health problems, hearing problems, mental health effects, and general health impacts (e.g. on the immune system).
* There is currently no noise wall along the rail corridor along the Georges River, so noise will carry particularly at night.
* There is no doubt there will be excessive noise from the unloading/loading and movement of containers within the terminal, which will operate 24 hours a day, as well the breaking and shunting of trains due to the site sizing constraints, and compression breaking of trucks on the surrounding roads.
* Wheel squeal from the trains exiting the SSFL have also been identified, as tight radius curves lead to wheel squeal. The MIC noise analyst has agreed that wheel squeal is likely to be a factor with some of the three different rail entry options currently under consideration. A factor that will apparently be decided once the tender is awarded, a decision that is likely to be economically based with no consideration for the nearby community.
* An intermodal at Badgerys Creek will not have the same noise implications, due to it being located in a purpose built heavy industrial area. The size of the Badgerys Creek site will also allow trains to remain whole within the terminal, negating the need for breaking and shunting of trains. Rail access will not be restricted by the construction of rail bridges over the Georges River, as is the case at Moorebank, reducing the instance of wheel squeal by negating the need for tight entry and exit points. Compression breaking can be limited through planned road upgrades specifically designed for heavy vehicle movements.
Local air quality
* MIC have recognised that exposure to pollutants and particulate matter (PM) can contribute to, or exacerbate, respiratory and cardiovascular issues, including premature mortality and morbidity, in addition to increasing associated hospitalisations. This supports that point that this proposal should not be planned for a residential area.
* Placing a heavy industrial facility in the middle of a residential area is negligent and will be detrimental to the community. The proposed site is located in a basin which allows pollution to lie, rather than easily move away. The NSW Planning and Assessment Commission have already recognised that the air quality in the Liverpool area is generally well below guidelines, particularly PM2.5 concentrations which are close to or above the advisory criteria. Additional diesel emissions and particulate matter released from this proposal will prove dangerous for residents, especially the most vulnerable: children, the elderly and disabled members of the community.
* Diesel fumes and particulate matter are carcinogenic, and as well as causing other serious illnesses, will be fatal for some members of the community.
* It has been identified that diesel locomotives and switch engines are significant contributors of SO2, NOx, PM10, PM2.5 and PAHs, while onsite mobile equipment (ITVs, side picks and forklifts) are the highest contributor to CO and VOC emissions, they also contribute substantially to PM10, PM2.5.
* It is understood the decision about onsite equipment will be made by the tender winner and based on economics rather than community welfare.
* During operation of the Project, combustion engine emissions (i.e. NOx, CO, SO2, PM2.5, PM10, VOCs and PAHs) from locomotives, mobile LNG equipment and heavy vehicles represent the greatest potential for air quality impacts.
* With 297 train movements each week and approximately 10,000 truck movements each day it is concerning that a proposal of this nature could be considered alongside family homes, and close to pre-schools, primary schools, high schools, as well as aged care facilities.
* Badgerys Creek, an Australian Government owned area, is away from residential properties, and therefore not likely to cause the same risks as the Moorebank site. It is also well placed near the M7 and the proposed M9 Motorways, providing the ability of the intermodal to service future growth centres, near the Western Sydney Employment Area (WSEA), future industrial areas and future freight markets in Western Sydney, where two-thirds of container freight received at Port Botany will be transported.
Human health risks and impacts
* The NSW Chief Health Officer's Report (2010) identified that health gains achieved over the past few decades have not been equally shared across the entire NSW population and that there is a gap between those with good and poor health. This gap is exacerbated in poorer communities.
* South Western Sydney has some of the poorest communities in NSW as measured by the SIEFA data (Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS 2011).
* South Western Sydney has higher rates of people with disabilities than the NSW average. People with disabilities have health conditions which may or may not be related to their disability.
* In 2004 - 2008, South Western Sydney residents had higher incidence of lung, kidney, head and neck, pancreas, thyroid, stomach, bladder, uterus and liver cancer than NSW.
* Mortality rates in South Western Sydney for cardiovascular disease at 83.9 per 100,000 are 5% higher than the NSW average of 100 and are significantly higher in Liverpool LGA (111.4) (2005/06).
* Very high psychological distress was reported by 13.2% of South Western Sydney residents (2.1% above the NSW average).
* As previously noted, MIC have recognised that exposure to pollutants and particulate matter (PM) can contribute to, or exacerbate, respiratory and cardiovascular issues, including premature mortality and morbidity, in addition to increasing associated hospitalisations. And that that diesel locomotives, switch engines, and onsite mobile equipment (ITVs, side picks and forklifts) are significant contributors of PM10, and PM2.5.
* As also noted, above acceptable noise levels that will result from an intermodal terminal can have health impacts including: annoyance, sleep disturbance, performance issues (reduced concentration), cardiovascular health problems, hearing problems, mental health effects, and general health impacts (e.g. on the immune system).
* Traffic impacts with the identified the problem of Trucks `weaving' onto and off the M5 is a significant problem. This `weaving' has the potential to cause a recognised `black spot', with potentially fatal consequences for the community.
* It is highly negligent of the Government to consider building an intermodal at the currently proposed Moorebank site. The site is located in the middle of a residential area, and the consequences of such a decision will prove dire to the community.
* Badgerys Creek is by far a site better suited to meet the criteria that the MIC has listed in their EIS summary.
Support from elected representatives
The role of three tiers of government is to ensure that community needs can be voiced to the government by their local elected representatives. These representatives are based within the community, they understand the local area, and are acutely aware of the geographic typography of the area and their constituents needs.
The representatives from the Liverpool area are all unequivocally stating that the Moorebank Intermodal proposal is in the wrong location. This includes the federal member for Hughes, Craig Kelly MP; the state member for Menai, Melanie Gibbons MP; and Liverpool City Mayor, Ned Mannoun.
It is worth noting these representatives recognise the need for an intermodal terminal within metropolitan Sydney to support future freight growth in New South Wales; however, Badgerys Creek is the ultimate location for this development. Liverpool Council have recently released a discussion paper titled `Badgerys Creek: the ideal location for an intermodal' (October 2014).
It is time for the government to listen to their party members who are voicing some very valid concerns, and join the discussion about a new location for this project.
Alternative uses for the land at Moorebank
The residents of Liverpool also support the Freight Infrastructure Advisory Board (FIAB) recommendation of the development of new intermodal freight capacity within metropolitan Sydney. However, the residents believe that the location of this development should be strategically placed to meet future growth and freight capacity. Therefore, it is proposed that Badgerys Creek, rather than Moorebank, is recognised as the consummate site for development.
`In 2011, the Australian Government developed the Liveable Cities Program (now called the Liveable Communities Programme) to support state, territory and local governments in meeting the challenges of improving the quality of life in our capitals and major regional cities' (2011, Department of Infrastructure and Regional Development website).
As part of this program, Parramatta City Council (the only Sydney council selected for the program) received $16,150,000 in funding to complete three missing links on the Parramatta Valley Cycle way, and undertake a series of related works on the Parramatta River Foreshore. The money used for this revitalisation has given Parramatta an economic and social boost.
The site identified for the Moorebank intermodal is prime, urban, riverfront land. This land should be used to assist the government in solving the housing crisis identified in the draft Metropolitan Strategy for Sydney, by using the development as a premium riverside residential lifestyle precinct. The land is situated less than 30 Kilometres from the Sydney CBD. It is in close proximity to public transport, including the T2 Airport and T2 Inner West & South lines (both of which have capacity to accommodate urban growth in this area), the Liverpool to Parramatta T-Way, the M90 Liverpool to Burwood bus route, and many suburban bus routes. In short, the Moorebank location is perfectly positioned and adequately serviced by public transport to assist the government in meeting its housing targets set in the Metropolitan Strategy for Sydney.
An independent valuation (Cushman and Wakefield Development Opportunity Liverpool Riverside Lands, September 2014) valued the SIMTA and MIC sites at more than $482 million. Revenue raised from the sale of this land could be used to assist in the funding of the infrastructure needed to support, and fast-track an intermodal at Badgerys Creek.
NSW Chief Health Officer's Report (2010) identified that there is considerable evidence that social factors (e.g. income, employment and education) have a critical role in health outcomes. A plan to revitalise the Liverpool area by embracing natural assets, such as the Georges River, and utilising land to its full potential presents an opportunity to lift the socio-economic status and improve overall health in the area. The Liveable Communities Programme in Parramatta is a testament to this.
Preserving the Casula Powerhouse Arts Centre and maintaining its accessibility to the community will boost the social economy of the area and contribute positively to community growth.
Linda Silmalis, in her Sunday Telegraph article (9 November 2014) says that `NEW housing sites for 11,000 homes will be unlocked today as the NSW government seizes on a building boom with one of the biggest land releases in Sydney this year.' On this topic, `State Planning Minister Pru Goward said the areas will help drive the housing construction boom, while placing downward pressure on house prices.' (Silmalis, L., 2014, `Grab your new home out west', Sunday Telegraph, 9 November 2014). Liverpool Council estimates that the land proposed for the Moorebank intermodals has the capacity for approximately 16,500 riverside dwellings, housing more than 40,000 people, and giving the community access to the Georges River. This will assist the government in meeting its targets, identified in the draft Metropolitan Strategy for Sydney, to develop housing for more than 1.6 million people. Affordable housing is a much better use of the land in this area.
Good, well considered, strategic planning is required to maintain New South Wales' status as the Premier State. This includes planning major infrastructure projects, such as an intermodal terminal, in the right location. The right location for this proposal is not Moorebank; Badgerys Creek is far better suited and situated to meet the Government's freight infrastructure needs.
Please reject this proposal on the grounds that it is not in the public interest of the residents of Liverpool or the wider community.

Moorebank Intermodal is a well illustrated example of corporations and govt colluding at the expense of democratic principle and local communities. The traffic and environmental modelling done to date is flawed, conflicted and breathtaking in it's unreliability.

Now that the intial 2 proposals have been merged,please advise the extent of the remodelling of traffic and air quality work you will undertake.Please confirm that revised air quality modelling will include assessment of diesal particulate matter, formaldehyde as part of the new proposal.

This project should not go ahead due to noise and disruption to residents who have been there all their lives.

This project should not go ahead due to noise and disruption to residents who have been there all their lives.

This project should not go ahead due to noise and disruption to residents who have been there all their lives.