Sydney Metro West - Concept and Stage 1 (major civil construction between Westmead and The Bays)

Re: Sydney Metro plans to install high voltage cable in Callan Street Rozelle NSW
I write to express my concern about the proposed installation by Sydney Metro of a high voltage cable in Callan Street Rozelle where I live. As such I wish to raise my objection to such an installation on this street and request that Sydney Metro consider an alternative solution to their proposed plan. The following are my reasons for my objection:
1) There are multiple major projects occurring and proposed within and in the vicinity of Callan St Rozelle that are having a detrimental impact upon the lives of its residents. However, it is apparent there is no coordinating body taking responsibility for communicating, coordinating or sharing information on what each organisation is planning or doing. As a result, each organisation has its own plans to rip up the same footpaths and streets that are having cumulative impacts upon the mental and physical health of residents locally. This includes
a) unrelenting levels of noise both day and night from drilling, sawing and pounding the hard rock beneath our street,
b) excessive levels of dust permeating our homes affecting those with Asthma and other respiratory ailments,
c) wet dust splashing across vehicles and the exterior of our homes which we are having to wash and hose down ourselves,
d) dangerous trip hazards arising from uncompleted work on footpaths and street,
e) access to our homes being blocked for weeks and months due to ongoing work in the street,
f) street parking for residents being significantly compromised due to the amount and extent of works occurring in the street,
g) our Street being used as the major thoroughfare for the entire North Rozelle precinct because all other roads are either being permanently closed or significantly disrupted due to ongoing works. Which sees all sorts of traffic and enormous trucks and equipment being transported up and down a street with a traffic status of a 10km shared use with pedestrians.

2) Research shows that exposure to extremely low frequency (ELF) electric and magnetic fields (EMF) at high levels, such as those from High Voltage cables, can affect the functioning of the nervous system and is possibly carcinogenic to humans. Indeed evidence shows that High electric fields may interfere with the normal functioning of cardiac devices such as pacemakers. There are a number of residents of Callan Street who have pacemakers and are therefore more vulnerable to the detrimental impacts of the installation of high voltage cables in Callan Street

It will improve my commute

Continually improving NSW

Received via email forwarded from Cameron Smith, 11 May 2020

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Pl refer to attached submission

I propose consideration should be made of a Metro station at Camellia, close to the former Camellia train station. With the government deciding not to proceed with a station at Rydalmere because of the required alignment, Camellia would make an ideal stop for the following reasons.
Firstly, it would service the planned Camellia Town Centre. The development of Camellia is planned to have a population of over 21,000. This is significantly higher than the population of Pyrmont, which is currently being considered for a station. The large industrial area will receive significant development over the next decade and a metro station will improve accessability to this new centre.
Secondly, a station at Camellia would interchange with the Parramatta light rail. Passengers on this light rail from Carlingford and possibly Ermington (if the second stage goes ahead) will be able to change and head directly into the CBD. This will have considerable time savings for these passengers travelling into the Parramatta CBD to change to the metro. It also would take pressure off the proposed Parramatta metro station, which should be the busiest of the proposed stations.
Thirdly, a Camellia station would be within 700 metres of the Western Sydney University Campus at Rydalmere, if there is a footpath is on the light rail bridge over the river. This means it would be less than 10 minutes walk to the campus from the station as well as being a very short light rail ride from the campus.
It also means a Camellia station would also be a short walk and light rail ride from Rydalmere industrial area, where is a Priority Growth Area to be an employment hub. It also mean a Camellia station would be few hundred metres from the Parramatta Valley Cycleway.
Fourthly, a Camellia station would have scope for commuter car parking, similar to the parking on several of the current Sydney Metro stations in the Northwest. This does not appear to planned for at any of the proposed stations.
Finally, a Camellia station would be close to Rosehill Racecourse and allow visitors to travel to events there by metro. It also would service the suburb of Rosehill and parts of Parramatta.

A further comment I have relates to the proposed Sydney Olympic Park station. I would suggest it be considered that the metro station be merged with the existing railway station there. The Sydney Olympic Park station is an architectural gem which will fall into disuse if the metro station is built at another location. This station is well set up to deal with large crowds and is also closer to most of the major venues than the proposed metro station site. The current railway station will effectively fall into disuse if the metro station is built at another location. Also having the metro here may allow some passengers from Lidcombe choosing to travel to Olympic Park and interchange there and reduce to a small extent the number of passengers on the T1 line.

EIS Chapter 3.5 is very brief for such an important topic. A north of Parramatta River option was discounted due to the 'importance' of Olympic Park station. Olympic Park is already connected by a heavy rail line and it is proposed to be connected by PLR stage 2. Why can't the heavy rail be upgraded with direct connections to the CBD? There are many benefits of having 4 stations to the north of Parramatta River to replace those 4 to the south between the bays and Parramatta. How do we know that this corridor has a larger benefit than the northern corridor and our money is being invested in the correct locations?

Hello, This is a great public transport mega-project that will have a significant role in the planning and development across the entire Greater Sydney Area. The role of new metro stations to increase connectivity is fantastic - personally, I think there could have been a few more stations along the line, particularly closer to Greater Parramatta to support the River City and GPOP as it transforms over the coming decades.

Public transport is an opportunity to leverage urban outcomes and improve places for human beings. Therefore, an appreciation of scale at the local level is critical. It will be important that any approval for the project encourages the place-making opportunities that arise when transport becomes the centrepiece for accessibility, high-quality public domain, and good pedestrian connections. Designing for all users in a precinct, such as children and the disadvantaged, will provide a more diverse range of benefits and facilitate civic spaces that we want to occupy and are active over different times of the day.

The city-building nature of the Sydney Metro West will create an economic legacy that goes beyond typical evaluation timeframes and enable a future that is shaped by well-considered transit amenity. Consideration should be given now to the benefits of increased land value, businesses development, international trade, tourism, skill development, knowledge sharing, advancements in technology or design and institutional reform. If implemented well, investment Sydney Metro West will create and sustain employment, improve productivity and competiveness, benefit consumers though higher quality services, and improve environmental outcomes. Of course, it is also critical to recognise the inherent risks and potential extraordinary negative outcomes of major investment decisions if implemented poorly.

The role of suitable mechanisms to share in the value generated by Sydney Metro West is a key challenge for the Government. Any SSI approval should also direct a wider government response to value capture mechanisms which are already well understood, but to date have not been implemented effectively. Opportunities for station development agreements, specific levies on beneficiaries, and/or wider contributions with a clear nexus to uplift are available and, for such a long program, could contribute as a revenue stream to defray the funding required from consolidated government coffers.

Thanks!

Received via letter forwarded from Catherine Jackson, 18 May 2020

Hi,

Really exciting to see new Metro West will be set up in North Strathfield Station. By checking on the proposed Tunnel map: https://v2.communityanalytics.com.au/tfnsw/sydmetrowest/map#, I'm concerned about the impacts for ground properties. May I please know some following details?

What the depth of corridor?
Would be an impact in future for properties? Would be vibrations/noise for residents when metro comes cross corridor?

Please see attached submission from the Royal Agricultural Society of NSW.

My family will be directly and significantly impacted by the construction of the Five Dock Metro West Station.
My daughters have special needs and both have significant sensory sensitivities. Loud and constant construction noise can lead to a meltdown and other behaviour challenges in my youngest child due to her disabilities.
We have lived at our address for the past 12 years. Whilst we understand living on a main road comes with noise. We never expected to be living on top of and be surrounded by a major construction site/train station. I am concerned about the impacts to my families health and wellbeing if consideration is not given to my objections.

My concerns regarding the Metro West project and my submission regarding the EIS are as follows:

1. Keeping local areas moving. With your site specific traffic plan to adjust haulage routes and timing truck movements outside of peak times. Consideration must be given to our buildings residents many of whom have young children. I’m very concerned given the inbound and outbound truck route for the safety of the children in the building and the noise impacts of a large number of trucks coming and going constantly and potentially 24/7.

2. Measuring traffic. With temporary road closures and detours. Second Ave already is a very small street and getting in and out of our apartment block can be very dangerous at the best of times. How will we be able to safely navigate entering and exiting our building with the large amount of trucks exiting right near our apartments driveway on Second Ave?

As I understand it Mr Sidoti family also have a DA application with council regarding redevelopment of property which will come out onto Second Ave. How will Second Ave cope with all this major construction work?

3. Noise and vibration. I’m concerned about damage to our apartment building even with the proposed property condition survey. Will residents be appropriately compensated if there is found to be damage from vibration and construction work?

4. Noise Impacts. I Home school my youngest daughter who has a number of disabilities. She has sensory sensitivities and with recent jackhammering in the Shop under us. She refused to do any school work as she couldn’t focus. Also with children who have Autism. They are highly sensitive to loud noise and this can lead to meltdowns and challenging behaviour. My youngest also suffers from sleep difficulties. With the site establishment work the noise must be ceased by 11pm to allow my family to get a decent amount of sleep each night.
Lack of quality sleep can also lead to meltdown and challenging behaviour.

My oldest daughter is currently in Yr 11 and will sit her HSC in 2021. If there was loud noise and 24/7 tunnelling noise. This would significantly impact on her ability to study and get the results she desires in her HSC.
Consideration must be given to our family as we are directly impacted by Metro West for many many years to come.

I would like Metro West to understand my families needs.
I would like Metro West to work closely with my family to mitigate and mange the impacts of noise and vibration and assist our family with alternate accommodation to ensure our health and wellbeing.

5. Spoil Removal. This is to occur 24/7 as I understand it that inbound and outbound trucks will operate on Second Ave. There are the noise impacts to my family. I’m also concerned about the dust and pollution in the air. I use my back balcony to hang out clothes.
Will I no longer be able to do this?
Will we be able to open our windows?
Will we be able to sit out on our balconies or will they be covered in dirt?

6. Street Parking changes. I am deeply concerned about the loss of 12 parking spots on Second Ave. There is such limited parking on Second Ave and Council are very inconsistent in patrolling this area to ensure a turn over in cars. Where will Visitors to our Apartment building park?

7. Shaft site. I understand the Shaft and acoustic shed will be 15 m high. I am very concerned about the loss of natural sunlight and shadowing concerns to the rear of my apartment in the mornings.

The concept of Metro West is welcomed and much needed. However as you are aware our building is and will be directly impacted for many years to come by this NSW Government Project.
The location chosen will significantly impact my family and I ask The Planning panel to consider my objections and address these in my EIS submission.

Kind Regards

While I believe the Sydney West Metro is a great addition to the Sydney' Central city, there MUST to be a stop at Camellia. The reasoning for not building the Rydalmere station I fully understand given the requirement to tunnel under the river however the need to one at Camellia can't be ignored.
1. The Camellia residential rezoning. By the governments own estimates, there will be 600,000 additional people in our central city in the next decade and over 10,000 in Camellia alone. I previously lived in Rhodes which has it's own train station and can say with certainty i wouldn't have otherwise. The people of Western Sydney will be let down without this station.
2. Proximity to Rosehill racecourse. Though I don't personally have a fondness for racing, this is a big attraction for the public and big for local tourism. Sydney's other racecourses (Randwick and Warwick Farm) have a light rail stop across the road and train station ~10m walk away. Without the Camellia stop, the closest station to Rosehill is Parramatta which is ~30m walk. Again this is letting down the region by not providing services at least in line with the rest of Sydney.
3. Proximity to the Western Sydney University (WSU) . When I enrolled in Uni >15 years ago had a very negative stigma attached in my opinion (rightly or wrongly) to it and although I lived a 10m drive away, I elected to enroll at one of the UTS. Since then, WSU has come a long way both in it's perception locally and internationally. Providing a connection between it's 3 campuses will only further enhance it's appeal.
The stop is VITAL for the central city for many reasons and its exclusion needs to be reconsidered.

Nowadays, the government has remove the Rosehill trains station in order to build the light rail. It's very hard for residential who are living in this area to travel to work. I would like to express my idea for your consideration to make another stop at Rosehill for the Sydney West Metro project. From my point of view, in the future the number of population intin area will be rapidly increased. But the thing to stop the growth is the lack of transportation in the area. Please take my submission in your consideration for this project.

Yours sincerely,
Savita Parnpetch
The resident in Rosehill area.

I noticed the the EIS didn't mention the Civic Link tunnel. In the Civic Link and the DA documents for the Parramatta Square Basement, there is mention of a tunnel linking the basements, through Horwood Place to George St.

There was originally proposed a stop at Rydalmere. This has now been shelved, which I believe was due to the tunnels needing to go to do two Parramatta River crossings. This makes me wonder if the project has bought Tunnel Boring Machines that are not water proof.

But what is so disappointing is that a stop just above Rosehill Gardens could not have been sited (a street above Grand Avenue North) that would allow walking connections to the soon to be build Parramatta Light Rail. This would allow those travelling from the City to alight at this "Camellia" area and either go to Rosehill racecourse or take the Light Rail to Western University or beyond to Carlingford. This would save having to travel to Parramatta and then catch the Light Rail back to Camellia/Rosehill.
This seems to be a missed opportunity to provide "integrated transport" solutions.

To the Hon, Andrew Constance, MP, NSW Transport Minister
Minister, it is very disappointing to learn the Metro rail project will not include a stop at Rydalmere as originally proposed and budgeted for.
The Metro West rail line won't stop anywhere between Parramatta and Sydney Olimpic Park, neglecting a large area which is currently uncovered by a efficient public transport network.
We ask you reconsider this oversight before construction begins. Otherwise any budget that may be saved now by this neglecting decision would bring further taxpayer expenses in the near future, as the area will continue on growing and a transport update WILL be needed .

Although the Sydney Metro West is welcome addition to the Sydney transport network, the fact there is no station planned between Parramatta and Sydney Olympic Park seems like a glaring omission. Furthermore, it looks like there is a disconnect between the different levels of government and even within the state government.

While the City Of Parramatta Council is still reviewing the Draft Camellia Town Centre Master Plan (https://www.planningportal.nsw.gov.au/draftplans/under-consideration/draft-camellia-town-centre-master-plan), the Sydney West Metro EIS can only give Camellia an 'amber' rating for 'Strategic land use and transport
alignment', 'Productivity & jobs', 'Housing supply', 'Urban renewal & placemaking' and 'Transport integration'? (https://majorprojects.planningportal.nsw.gov.au/prweb/PRRestService/mp/01/getContent?AttachRef=SSI-10038%2120200426T211813.657%20GMT - Table 3-8)

In addition to the proposed Camellia Town Centre, there are already existing amenities in the area that would benefit from having a station linked directly to the City to Parramatta metro line, including the Rosehill Gardens racecourse and exhibition centre, Western Sydney University and the Sydney Metro stabling and maintenance facility at Rosehill (https://www.sydneymetro.info/station/clyde-stabling-and-maintenance-facility).

It would be amazing if the strategic planning for the stations in the Sydney West Metro project would actually consider the requirements of the Camellia/Rosehill/Rydalmere area for the next 20-30 years.

I am a strong believer that Metro West will help to provide jobs and boost the economy. I also understand that there is a target time of 20 minutes to reach Parramatta from the CBD, but there is a strong need for a station at Silverwater. This station will help to provide more economic activity to the area (will help the NSW economy and government to benefit for more infrastructure spending), but will also help to put a station into a large space where a station is not covered. The station can be feasible, and can be on the same route to parramatta so the tunnel is not needing to be changed. For a project that is focused on jobs in Western Sydney, there are only 2 stations that are focused in the future River City, where there is needing to be more to carry more people beyond into the future.

If the speed can be increases to 110 - 120km/h, then the 20 min target time between Parramatta and the CBD can be met, including the addition of the Silverwater Station.

The station can be located just west of Silverwater Road, in which will not only benefit the light rail but the surrounding areas that will have a link into the CBD for the first time ever using rail. The community needs more stations for access, for employment opportunities and benefits for the Government to realise the full potential of the Sydney Metro West Project.