As a parent of members of the 1st Balgowlah Scout Group I am concerned that there are not enough plans in place to secure ongoing activity at the Scout Hall, which is located very near the construction site. Will it stay or will it have to go? What if it has to go, where are the youth members engage in their activities.

It is my request that the impact on the 1st Balgowlah Scout group is taken into consideration, and that if they have to move temporarily or permanently that a location of at least equal suitability will be provided for the 1st Balgowlah Scout group without any cost for the.

I write to express my objection to the Beaches Link and Gore Hill Freeway Project. I have significant concerns that a business case has not been published for this project and it is not considered a priority on Infrastructure Australia’s priority list. I object to the project due to the contamination risks it presents to the environment and the community's health as well as the negative impact on our waterways and green spaces The EIS demonstrates a significant risk to health and safety, and I believe an alternative public transport option has not been fully scoped and compared.

I object to the ecological destruction of Burnt Creek and damage to Manly Dam, the disturbance of contaminated sediment and toxic sludge and six years of high impact construction noise that will affect our community for little gain and savings in travel time. The significant impact of this project in terms of direct and indirect costs far outweigh any perceived gains.

Green spaces and biodiversity:
I object to the project due to the threat to our biodiversity and green spaces. The Beaches Link will negatively impact significant wildlife corridors, including Flat Rock Drive and Manly Dam bushland, as well as marine ecosystems at Middle Harbour and the Spit. More than 12 hectares of high value bushland will be destroyed with the widening of the Wakehurst Parkway. This will cause long-term environmental damage and potential risks to groundwater and flow-on effects for Manly Dam, and damage to the bush corridor of Burnt Bridge Creek. Water seeping issues and catchment cross-contamination are also risks to the ecological health of the area.

Hundreds of species will be impacted by loss of habitat with planned offsets insufficient to save local threatened species. These species which make up our biodiverse nature reserves, will be put at inexcusable risk.

Water pollution:
The health of local creeks, waterways and the marine environments are at risk from scouring, elevated salinity, siltation, contamination by disturbed toxic materials from the tip site and accidental fuel or chemical spills. The excavation of Middle Harbour sediment may release heavy metals, pesticides and chemicals. This toxic sludge needs to be addressed urgently with the planned silt 'curtain' not reaching the bottom of the seabed allowing for toxic sludge to escape and spread. The EIS report reflects a disregard for the environment with significant pollution from the open ventilation stacks, toxic chemicals being dredged from the water ways and major destruction of bushlands and tree canopies.

Climate and sustainability:
I object to the project as this project does not help us meet our climate goals and has a poor climate profile at a time when we should be looking to projects which reduce our emissions. The EIS report confirms the project will have very high waste generation, water usage and concrete production volumes. It has also shown there will be a major increase in traffic volumes coming to the Northern Beaches resulting in increased congestion in Manly Vale and Balgowlah. This is confirmed by the EIS which states that vehicle use will increase along the corridor. This contradicts governments climate change goals and the State government commitment to a net zero emissions goal by 2050. The EIS demonstrates this project will increase vehicle reliance and trip volumes in already congested and polluted areas.


Health and well-being:
I object to the project due to the unreasonable level of impact on the Quality of Life of residents during the tunnel construction and operation. The Health risk assessment acknowledges construction fatigue, increased traffic and uncertainty will cause significant stress for the population and the community. There will be high levels of noise, dust, heavy vehicle pollution, traffic and increased stress risks to our health during a minimum 5-year construction. As my family lives near the tunnel excavation site, I fear for the stability of my property and the ongoing stress caused by constant noise and vibration.

Contamination and risk:
I object to the project due to the scale, extent and risk of groundworks in sensitive residential areas and foreshore environments. I am concerned about the impact on air pollution due to the lack of stack filtering. I believe there is a lost opportunity by not filtering and treating the stack pollution. Particulate matter is already higher than what is recommended or considered “safe”. Pollution from traffic exhaust poses serious health risks. My family’s property is located inside the projected reach of air pollution and which raises serious concerns for the health and well-being of my family.

Conclusion:
I would ask that an alternative public transport feasibility study be published before any further planning occurs so that impacts and outcomes can be fairly compared. I respectfully request that the following is undertaken as a matter of urgency:
1. A full Phase 2 Contamination Assessment completed
2. A comparative mass transit alternative assessment
3. Travel times, surface traffic changes and costs fully scoped in the form of a business case
4. And at a minimum the EIS is reissued for public consultation

Many thanks for acknowledging and receiving my objections to the Beaches Link and Gore Hill Freeway.

Kind regards.

I am against this project. If it is to occur, we need more protection for the Willoughby and Cammeray areas that will bear the brunt of this project through noise and air pollution, increased traffic as well as the destruction of the nature at flat rock gully.

We need adequate, transparent and public monitoring of noise, vibration and pollution starting before and throughout the project. Limit all truck movements not just soil filled. Implement safe roads and crossings for children and residents in a highly residential area with lots of young families

I also ask that for transparent reporting on Asbestos and tip refuse treatment. It is also unclear what plans there are for Flat rock gully rehabilitation.

We also need filtered stacks for the air pollution.

Lastly I ask the government to consider the plan based on the huge environmental impact. The tunnel will be too steep for buses and only further encourages car use within Sydney. Greater investment in public transport would be a north worthwhile investment for our city

I have been living in the area for over 40 years born in manly and went to school at Balgowlah boys high. It saddens me that the government is wanting to build this tunnel for 5 main reasons

1. I commute to the city for work and since the Bline was delivered it has been a great success in reducing traffic through military rd. I am struggling to see as to why a tunnel is need. Has the government asked those who live in the area do we actually need a tunnel.

2. I have 2 young children going to Balgowlah north primary and will most likely be attending local high schools. The tunnel will bring an environmental impact to air quality which concerns me for their future, also what about the elderly in the area and how it will impact them.

3. The beautiful bush land that will be impacted.. Sydney needs to focus on retaining as much bush land as possible as we’re are growing city with multiple developments we need to be able to breath, exercise in nature and keep wildlife safe.

4. I am a keen mtb rider and after doing laps of the dam for over 20 years and how popular the sport has become its saddens me that the government is will ing to impact people’s health and well-being. There are 100’s of bush trails to walk and ride. They all start, run a long side or finish where to entry to both tunnels will be. You the government will reduce people’s health and well-being as no one wants to be in the outdoors next to exhaust ducts from filthy cars

5. The impact to adding more congestion to manlyvale and Balgowlah area. It’s already busy enough and it can take 15mins just to drive 2kms.. the northern beaches doesn't have the infrastructure to handle more congestion.

When our species (yes all humans!) must be considering our future with zero carbon emissions by 2050 at the latest, the absolute last thing that should be builing is a
tunnel that will encourage car driving.

The money should be spend on developing efficient carbon emission free public transport or on-demand transport systems that REDUCE traffic, not increase it.

Those considering whether to go ahead with this project should simply ask themselves "do I want my children and grandchildren and their descendants to be alive on a planet that is livable?" If the answer is yes, this project must not go ahead.

As a resident of the northern beaches since 1969 I also object to the destruction of bushland that must happen for this project along the wakehurst Parkway.

I also object to the fact that polluted air, extracted from the tunnel will be concentrated and released in areas near schools.

Do not build this tunne and associated roadways!!

As a mother of 2 young children and a resident of 6 Nulgarra St Northbridge, our house backs onto Flat Rock Gully and will be 100m from the proposed dive site - I wholeheartedly object to the proposed Beaches Link Tunnel and in particular the dive site at Flat Rock Gully.

Our objections are based on the threat to my home and family, our health and quality of life and that of the local community.

Flat Rock Gully is an integral part of our neighbourhood and our life. The idea of destruction and use of this priceless space as a dive site is utterly horrible. The loss of bushland, subsequent noise, air, water and soil pollution as well as light pollution at night, 100m from our bedrooms is UNACCEPTABLE.

Specifically, my objections are outlined in the attached document but the main ones are:

Flat Rock Gully NOT to be used as the primary dive for the Beaches Link due a number of reasons outlined in the attached document. If so, considering our immediate vicinity to the FRG dive site, we would like to request assistance in ensuring that our property is as unaffected as possible in relation to vibration, noise, dust and light pollution

• If the proposal is approved, it is vital that, at the end of the project, the construction site in Flat Rock Gully is restored to bushland consistent with the Environmental Conservation zoning of the site and in accordance with the local Urban Bushland Plan of Management and the Flat Rock Gully Reserve Action Plan.

• Undertake full bush regeneration and provide three for one tree plantings as required by the local vegetation strategy.

• If a short duration noise event during night construction, we should be offered alternative accommodation for the period or other appropriate mitigation as required. For longer duration noise such as FRG and Cammeray Oval construct an acoustic wall around the site to protect residents and fauna from noise impacts - i.e. an acoustic wall similar to those normally constructed during road infrastructure projects.

• Tunneling induced movement - compensation for house cracking and settlement even if slight - currently up to 50mm which means a 5cm crack in houses not repaired. This criteria is UNACCEPTABLE for the majority of homeowners in the area such as ourselves.

• All properties above and adjacent to the tunnel route (such as ours) to be offered a free and independent pre-construction property condition survey providing a clear record of a property’s condition before work starts. If any damage is found to be directly related to the project, the damage will be addressed at no cost to the property owner.

Thank you for taking our views into account and I hope that there is enough decency and transparency left in Australia that common sense and fairness prevail.

I want to voice my concerns regarding the proposed Beaches Link Tunnel and its impacts on our community, school and local environment. Please see below:
Revisiting the Tunnel Justification
Concern - The figures put forward in the EIS indicate only a minimal reduction in the traffic flowing through Mosman for a significant and disproportionate use of public funds. We feel that many of the assumptions for traffic used as justification of the build in the EIS have not factored in changes to travel habits and working from home due to COVID-19 and into the future, treating COVID-19 as having only a “temporary” impact".
Request - There are many new data points to factor in given the impact of COVID-19 on lifestyles long term and we stand with Viable Transport solutions in asking the government to halt the development process to allow for a suitable review, and to publicly release the results of the review.
Construction Impact
Concern - The construction phase of the project will undoubtedly impact North Balgowlah residents with dust, noise, vibration, and heavy vehicle traffic in the area. North Balgowlah will have construction surrounding most of the suburb and the EIS indicates that during construction there will be.
• Over 3,000 vehicles per day across all sites.
• 1,690 vehicles per day at the Balgowlah Golf Course site alone.
• 1.5 heavy vehicles every minute or 4.5 vehicles (total) every minute.
• Over 4,000 homes subjected to excessive noise
• Construction work to proceed 24/7 for up to 7 years.
Request - Reconsider how to ensure that the impact of trucks/vehicles is not felt on the suburban streets that are already hard to navigate with local traffic and buses. Ensure areas around schools and parks are not impacted and are safe for families and children to walk or ride around the local community. Disincentivise commuters looking to use our streets as a rat run to save time from congestion and money from using the toll roads.
Ventilation Stacks
Concern - Global health experts agree that pollution from traffic exhaust poses serious health risks. Emissions include nitrous oxides and particulate matter that, when breathed into the lungs, causes respiratory diseases such as asthma and emphysema, and cancer. There are several schools, preschools, childcare centres, and sporting fields within the vicinity of all the proposed ventilation stacks and from a parent's point of view, the increased level of pollution is unacceptable.
Request - If the tunnel were to go ahead that the stacks be equipped with full filtration to minimize these impacts. At the very least the air pollution is kept at the current levels.
Environmental Impact
Concern - We are fortunate to live in an area that incorporates some spectacular bush land, reserves, and beaches and would urge that further consideration is given to the major environmental impacts, including but not limited to:
• Movement of contaminated sediment to Clontarf and Middle Harbour (The Spit) potentially causing pollution of the neighbouring beaches.
• Destruction of Burnt Bridge Creek and surrounds (e.g., bushland, wildlife etc) due to a possible 96% reduction in water flow.
• Discharge of 428,000 L per day of wastewater into Queenscliff Lagoon & Beach, resulting in health hazards for people and animals who swim in the waterways.
• Pollution of Manly Dam reserve, resulting in the potential extinction of rare flora and fauna and the last remaining areas of Duffy’s Forest, and meaning that one of the only swimmable dams in NSW is no longer safe for public use.
• Loss of recreational activities with the mountain bike trails that are used for riding, walking, and running.
Request - We want assurances that future generations get to experience the natural wonders of the area in all its glory. That wildlife can live in the shadows of residential houses, not shadows of construction and pollution. What is the point of making the northern beaches more accessible if the very heart of what makes the northern beaches so special is destroyed? We understand that in life, it is important to move forward, but not at all costs. If anything, COVID should teach us that we need to look after what we have got, each other and the environment so we can all live together sustainably, leaving the world in a better place for future generations. I am not sure the tunnel is the answer.

see my objections to the project in the attached document.
Also tried to submit a short movie but was advised the format was invalid. Can I email it to you in another format?