Lee Purches
Object
Lee Purches
Object
NORTH BALGOWLAH
,
New South Wales
Message
Submission regarding the Environmental Impact of the Beaches Link and Gore Hill Freeway Connection
Joint submission by Lee Purches and Peter Purches
26 February 2021
Notes
• This submission addresses our concerns in regard to the Beaches Link Tunnel section of the broader Beaches Link and Gore Hill Freeway Connection.
• We have made no reportable political donations in the previous two years.
• We have used the following terminology:
EIS - Environmental Impact Statement
The project – refers to the Beaches Link Tunnel section of the Beaches Link and Gore Hill Freeway Connection
Objection to the Beaches Link Tunnel project
We object to the construction of the Beaches Link Tunnel due to the following key factors:
1. Impact on the local community during construction
2. Long term impact on the health and well-being of the local community
3. Long term traffic implications and the lack of planning to address road infrastructure around already heavily congested streets in the local area and around the construction site
4. Destruction and risk to native bushland and water course areas
5. Impact on Middle Harbour and marine life
6. Socio-economic factors and longer-term benefits
7. The lack of adequate exploration of alternative transport solutions
Our objections are based on having taken an interest in the proposed project in its early stages, attending local information sessions, researching the EIS information provided by NSW Transport, listening to local concerns, and based on our knowledge as both a social worker and medical practitioner who have lived in the local area for many years, including growing up and going to school in the local area.
Attached is our full submission which details our objections and concerns regarding the construction of the Beaches Link Tunnel. Thank you for reading our submission.
Lee and Peter Purches
Joint submission by Lee Purches and Peter Purches
26 February 2021
Notes
• This submission addresses our concerns in regard to the Beaches Link Tunnel section of the broader Beaches Link and Gore Hill Freeway Connection.
• We have made no reportable political donations in the previous two years.
• We have used the following terminology:
EIS - Environmental Impact Statement
The project – refers to the Beaches Link Tunnel section of the Beaches Link and Gore Hill Freeway Connection
Objection to the Beaches Link Tunnel project
We object to the construction of the Beaches Link Tunnel due to the following key factors:
1. Impact on the local community during construction
2. Long term impact on the health and well-being of the local community
3. Long term traffic implications and the lack of planning to address road infrastructure around already heavily congested streets in the local area and around the construction site
4. Destruction and risk to native bushland and water course areas
5. Impact on Middle Harbour and marine life
6. Socio-economic factors and longer-term benefits
7. The lack of adequate exploration of alternative transport solutions
Our objections are based on having taken an interest in the proposed project in its early stages, attending local information sessions, researching the EIS information provided by NSW Transport, listening to local concerns, and based on our knowledge as both a social worker and medical practitioner who have lived in the local area for many years, including growing up and going to school in the local area.
Attached is our full submission which details our objections and concerns regarding the construction of the Beaches Link Tunnel. Thank you for reading our submission.
Lee and Peter Purches
Attachments
Name Withheld
Object
Name Withheld
Object
Balgowlah
,
New South Wales
Message
I write this submission to you under the heading " most strongly object to this project " for the following reasons :
1 The E.I.S. appears to contain a number of misconceptions and statistics that are outdated for example " Travel time from Brookvale and Balgowlah to the City and beyond will save 30 minutes " . This forecast was made in 2016 and therefore has little relevance now , especially as currently 52% of Northern Beaches workers are working from home
( Covid )
2 The goals of the E.I.S. will not be achievable in that the tunnel will not ease traffic congestion and delay. The project will only provide a 10% reduction in Military Road traffic ( E.I.S. figures ) and it does nothing to enhance Public transport facilities . In fact, the disadvantages of the scheme will cause
a ) Traffic on Wakehurst Parkway to double
b ) Delays would occur at exits and entrances to the tunnel
c ) Wanganella Street would become severely overused, stilling more vehicles onto Condamine and Woodland Street.
3 This is a very expensive project for very little gain, and remembering that it is not going to achieve the goals as laid out in the E.I.S. proves it to be pointless . Investing in " clean " public transport options has far more merit .
4 The impacts of the construction of the Tunnel over six or more years will cause significant disturbance of four thousand local residents to include :
a Severe noise disturbance both day and night due to 24 hour tunnel excavation
b Possible damage to nearby homes from vibration caused by tunnelling
c 34 homes in Dudley Street being compulsory purchased (appalling for the homeowners )
d Local schools ( Punchinello, Balgowlah Boys , St Cecilias and Seaforth Primary ) will suffer unacceptable noise pollution as the worksite operates from 7am to 6 pm, and therefore throughout the school day .
e Airborne polluroom from unfiltered stacks affecting all who live within 1.2 metres of the stack. The government says it is too expensive to filter the emission stacks - at the expense of people's health, especially children and those with chronic medical conditions.
f Large trucks laden with spill will drive uphill towards Balgowlah Boys every minute or so. These trucks will also use other routes, particularly around Seaforth Public School and therefore hazardous to pupils and parents during drop - off and pick up times.
g Site workers will inevitably attempt to park on nearby streets surrounding the golf course, causing massive inconvenience to local residents.
h Reduction of water flow into Burnt Bridge Creek by as much as 80% causing contamination in periods of dry weather and threatening the local habitat .
i Polluted water running into Manly Dam to the extent that the dam could become unusable for leisure by the public, and therefore a lost facility
j Destruction of large areas of bushland causing disastrous environmental changes to both endangered animals and plants
k Disturbance of " sludge " in Middle Harbour causing release of toxins which will endanger water fitness at Sandy Bay, Clontarf Beach and elsewhere.
5 To date community consultation regarding the proposed project has been extremely poor , leaving residents feeling that they have not been listened to .
Finally , from a personal point of view, as a homeowner on the side of the golf course, ( and perilously close to the site of the emission stack) I would have to relinquish my family home should this project proceed. It would be impossible for me to return to live in my Home with my profoundly disabled daughter - the house having been designed and built to accommodate her needs for the remainder of her life. Her chest and breathing are already compromised ( as she has no mobility ) and any harmful inhalation of pollutant emissions would cause an earlie decline and loss of life .
1 The E.I.S. appears to contain a number of misconceptions and statistics that are outdated for example " Travel time from Brookvale and Balgowlah to the City and beyond will save 30 minutes " . This forecast was made in 2016 and therefore has little relevance now , especially as currently 52% of Northern Beaches workers are working from home
( Covid )
2 The goals of the E.I.S. will not be achievable in that the tunnel will not ease traffic congestion and delay. The project will only provide a 10% reduction in Military Road traffic ( E.I.S. figures ) and it does nothing to enhance Public transport facilities . In fact, the disadvantages of the scheme will cause
a ) Traffic on Wakehurst Parkway to double
b ) Delays would occur at exits and entrances to the tunnel
c ) Wanganella Street would become severely overused, stilling more vehicles onto Condamine and Woodland Street.
3 This is a very expensive project for very little gain, and remembering that it is not going to achieve the goals as laid out in the E.I.S. proves it to be pointless . Investing in " clean " public transport options has far more merit .
4 The impacts of the construction of the Tunnel over six or more years will cause significant disturbance of four thousand local residents to include :
a Severe noise disturbance both day and night due to 24 hour tunnel excavation
b Possible damage to nearby homes from vibration caused by tunnelling
c 34 homes in Dudley Street being compulsory purchased (appalling for the homeowners )
d Local schools ( Punchinello, Balgowlah Boys , St Cecilias and Seaforth Primary ) will suffer unacceptable noise pollution as the worksite operates from 7am to 6 pm, and therefore throughout the school day .
e Airborne polluroom from unfiltered stacks affecting all who live within 1.2 metres of the stack. The government says it is too expensive to filter the emission stacks - at the expense of people's health, especially children and those with chronic medical conditions.
f Large trucks laden with spill will drive uphill towards Balgowlah Boys every minute or so. These trucks will also use other routes, particularly around Seaforth Public School and therefore hazardous to pupils and parents during drop - off and pick up times.
g Site workers will inevitably attempt to park on nearby streets surrounding the golf course, causing massive inconvenience to local residents.
h Reduction of water flow into Burnt Bridge Creek by as much as 80% causing contamination in periods of dry weather and threatening the local habitat .
i Polluted water running into Manly Dam to the extent that the dam could become unusable for leisure by the public, and therefore a lost facility
j Destruction of large areas of bushland causing disastrous environmental changes to both endangered animals and plants
k Disturbance of " sludge " in Middle Harbour causing release of toxins which will endanger water fitness at Sandy Bay, Clontarf Beach and elsewhere.
5 To date community consultation regarding the proposed project has been extremely poor , leaving residents feeling that they have not been listened to .
Finally , from a personal point of view, as a homeowner on the side of the golf course, ( and perilously close to the site of the emission stack) I would have to relinquish my family home should this project proceed. It would be impossible for me to return to live in my Home with my profoundly disabled daughter - the house having been designed and built to accommodate her needs for the remainder of her life. Her chest and breathing are already compromised ( as she has no mobility ) and any harmful inhalation of pollutant emissions would cause an earlie decline and loss of life .
Emmanuelle Convert
Object
Emmanuelle Convert
Object
Leo Moskos
Object
Leo Moskos
Object
NORTHBRIDGE
,
New South Wales
Message
I object to the beaches link tunnel for the following reasons:
1. I object to the planned route under Northbridge. Originally a route was earmarked through Castlecrag and some of this land is still vacant. As the tunnel is underground I see no reason why the route should not be as originally planned via Castelcrag.
2. The location of Flat Rock Gully dive site is in the wrong spot. Preferably this should be in North Balgowlah in proximity of Wakehurst parkway where it has least impact on residents. If it must be located at Flat Rock gully it should be on the western side of Flat rock drive.
3. I am very concerned about the ongoing volume of dust which will be generated by loading 70 trucks with spoil per hour.
4. I am concerned that the 1.2 Ha allocated site and the acoustic shed is not nearly large enough to accommodate 70 truck movements and the generated spoil by 24 hour tunnelling.
5. I am very concerned with overflow spoil material from the tunnelling been stored outside the acoustic shed and with the subsequent truck loading generating unavoidable dust.
6. I object to the removal of trees as this is detrimental to the local residents as there’s no sound barrier to muffle the noise across the valley.
7. I am concerned about the volume and treatment of diesel generator exhaust fumes at the Flat rock Gully dive site assuming that generators will be used to power their equipment.
8. I am concerned about the noise of 70 truck movements per hour starting from the bottom of the hill climbing up Flat Rock drive fully laden will create unbearable noise to the residents without any protection whatsoever.
9. What is the maximum allowable noise limit for equipment operating in the construction area? What will you do if you exceed the limit?
10. I am concerned about the noise from the Acoustic shed as with 70 truck movements per hour the doors will be open all the time.
11. The majority of the houses in Northbridge were built with soft lime mortar and are not on concrete foundations. Any vibration to these houses that were built before 1950 may be disastrous.
12. The vibration from drilling & tunnelling which the machine will generate is a major problem as I believe in Northbridge the ironstone is a lot harder than in other areas. This concerns me greatly as the vibration will create problems to the buildings above the tunnelling.
13. I am greatly concerned with the time it may take from when property damage is identified to when it is repaired. Please state how long it will take to repair the damage once identified?
14. As we were given insufficient time to consider our response to the EIS will you allow us to come through at a later stage after the submission closing date with any questions which may concern us?
1. I object to the planned route under Northbridge. Originally a route was earmarked through Castlecrag and some of this land is still vacant. As the tunnel is underground I see no reason why the route should not be as originally planned via Castelcrag.
2. The location of Flat Rock Gully dive site is in the wrong spot. Preferably this should be in North Balgowlah in proximity of Wakehurst parkway where it has least impact on residents. If it must be located at Flat Rock gully it should be on the western side of Flat rock drive.
3. I am very concerned about the ongoing volume of dust which will be generated by loading 70 trucks with spoil per hour.
4. I am concerned that the 1.2 Ha allocated site and the acoustic shed is not nearly large enough to accommodate 70 truck movements and the generated spoil by 24 hour tunnelling.
5. I am very concerned with overflow spoil material from the tunnelling been stored outside the acoustic shed and with the subsequent truck loading generating unavoidable dust.
6. I object to the removal of trees as this is detrimental to the local residents as there’s no sound barrier to muffle the noise across the valley.
7. I am concerned about the volume and treatment of diesel generator exhaust fumes at the Flat rock Gully dive site assuming that generators will be used to power their equipment.
8. I am concerned about the noise of 70 truck movements per hour starting from the bottom of the hill climbing up Flat Rock drive fully laden will create unbearable noise to the residents without any protection whatsoever.
9. What is the maximum allowable noise limit for equipment operating in the construction area? What will you do if you exceed the limit?
10. I am concerned about the noise from the Acoustic shed as with 70 truck movements per hour the doors will be open all the time.
11. The majority of the houses in Northbridge were built with soft lime mortar and are not on concrete foundations. Any vibration to these houses that were built before 1950 may be disastrous.
12. The vibration from drilling & tunnelling which the machine will generate is a major problem as I believe in Northbridge the ironstone is a lot harder than in other areas. This concerns me greatly as the vibration will create problems to the buildings above the tunnelling.
13. I am greatly concerned with the time it may take from when property damage is identified to when it is repaired. Please state how long it will take to repair the damage once identified?
14. As we were given insufficient time to consider our response to the EIS will you allow us to come through at a later stage after the submission closing date with any questions which may concern us?
Julianne Gazal-Rizk
Object
Julianne Gazal-Rizk
Object
WILLOUGHBY
,
New South Wales
Message
I OBJECT to the destruction of Flat Rock Gully!
I object on the basis: We STILL need to see:
1. A full contamination study of the soil in the old tip site before construction begins
2. A full risk assessment to the threatened species of flora & fauna at the site
3. Regular water monitoring of Flat Rock Creek and contaminants
4. Regular air quality monitoring with real time ALERTS that go off when the pollution / contaminants reach dangerous levels. This same sort of ALERT could be needed on the west side of Flat Rock Drive
5. A promise of replacing the 390 trees with better walking and cycling tracks.
I am concerned by over 500 truck movements per day – trucks will a constant and ever-present sight and sound for residents each weekday and from 7am-7pm on Saturdays. This noise will travel through the gully and upwards to residential areas.
7. I recommend an offer to residents in proximity to the dive site to be compensated for the cost of double glazing the windows of their homes to mitigate sound as the tunnelling will be operating 24/7.
8. A full risk assessment and remediation plan be devised for the catchment area - from Flat Rock Creek to Middle Harbour.
I object on the basis: We STILL need to see:
1. A full contamination study of the soil in the old tip site before construction begins
2. A full risk assessment to the threatened species of flora & fauna at the site
3. Regular water monitoring of Flat Rock Creek and contaminants
4. Regular air quality monitoring with real time ALERTS that go off when the pollution / contaminants reach dangerous levels. This same sort of ALERT could be needed on the west side of Flat Rock Drive
5. A promise of replacing the 390 trees with better walking and cycling tracks.
I am concerned by over 500 truck movements per day – trucks will a constant and ever-present sight and sound for residents each weekday and from 7am-7pm on Saturdays. This noise will travel through the gully and upwards to residential areas.
7. I recommend an offer to residents in proximity to the dive site to be compensated for the cost of double glazing the windows of their homes to mitigate sound as the tunnelling will be operating 24/7.
8. A full risk assessment and remediation plan be devised for the catchment area - from Flat Rock Creek to Middle Harbour.
Rosie Adams
Object
Rosie Adams
Object
WILLOUGHBY
,
New South Wales
Message
Considering the Flat Rock Gully was previously a site of waste disposal and incinerator, the best change was when the place was converted to precious and much needed green space. In a time when there is a staggering amount of workers now choosing to work from home and avoid traveling to an office, you can't pull that excuse as a key reason for this project. Demolishing a vital wildlife corridor and disrupting delicate land that has been keenly protected and embraced by the local community is disgusting. The short term ramifications of traffic congestion as well as noise disturbances and silica dust from the tunnelling of sandstone will be widely and strongly felt by residents. All this destruction, disturbance and annoyance to people and precious natural wildlife for a tunnel that will cost a fortune to construct AND be heavily tolled? If you even considered looking at the disappointing results of the Lane Cove tunnel, you'd see that it has been struggling to make its projected profits for a while now. No one likes tunnels, why dedicate millions of dollars toward this construction that is considered a major disappointment to the community, rather than look to alternatives. Public transport been heavily reduced in the Willoughby area, and instead of choosing to invest in public transport, this government has decided to spend our money on tolled roads that will eventually end up being privately owned (like Lane Cove tunnel) to benefit private developers and private transport companies. This development is a short term solution to a long term problem.
Name Withheld
Object
Name Withheld
Object
NORTHBRIDGE
,
New South Wales
Message
I live in Northbridge above where this tunnel is to be built.
I am concerned about the ongoing noise and vibration in my home for many years. I am concerned about the tranquillity I have in my home will be disrupted, which will affect my chronic health problem.
I am concerned about the ongoing and unknown damage to my home that may be caused by the tunnel beneath me. I am concerned the state government will not acknowledge the damage the tunnel causes and ignore or make impossible the rectification of these issues caused by the drilling. This is evident in the recently completed project in the inner west of Sydney.
I am concerned about the huge increase in traffic in my area due to the truck movement on Flat Rock Gully.
I am concerned about the devastation of the environment in the Flat Rock Gully caused by the use of the site. Both wildlife and vegetation will be demolished and will never be able to be restored.
I am concerned about the air quality from the poor ventilation from vents in our area and nearby.
I am concerned about the dredging of the harbour floor and the devastation this will cause to the harbour directly below where I live and enjoy most days.
I am concerned about the noise this dredging will cause.
We need more studies to show the impacts on the environment of this whole project.
the project seems to be going ahead without the necessary environmental impact studies completed.
I feel like the peaceful environment that I live in will disappear and my home will not be my safe haven any more.
I am concerned about the ongoing noise and vibration in my home for many years. I am concerned about the tranquillity I have in my home will be disrupted, which will affect my chronic health problem.
I am concerned about the ongoing and unknown damage to my home that may be caused by the tunnel beneath me. I am concerned the state government will not acknowledge the damage the tunnel causes and ignore or make impossible the rectification of these issues caused by the drilling. This is evident in the recently completed project in the inner west of Sydney.
I am concerned about the huge increase in traffic in my area due to the truck movement on Flat Rock Gully.
I am concerned about the devastation of the environment in the Flat Rock Gully caused by the use of the site. Both wildlife and vegetation will be demolished and will never be able to be restored.
I am concerned about the air quality from the poor ventilation from vents in our area and nearby.
I am concerned about the dredging of the harbour floor and the devastation this will cause to the harbour directly below where I live and enjoy most days.
I am concerned about the noise this dredging will cause.
We need more studies to show the impacts on the environment of this whole project.
the project seems to be going ahead without the necessary environmental impact studies completed.
I feel like the peaceful environment that I live in will disappear and my home will not be my safe haven any more.
Name Withheld
Object
Name Withheld
Object
NORTHBRIDGE
,
New South Wales
Message
I’m greatly concerned about Northbridge Sailing Club’s sailing area being greatly compromised. All our sailing courses will be affected by the maritime exclusion zones between Seaforth Bluff and Clive Park associated with the submerged tunnel works across Middle Harbour, and the temporary re-location of yacht moorings into a zone northwest of Seaforth Bluff.
NSC is a significant part of my life. I love sailing, and the works will mean sailing at NSC will become more difficult, less attractive, and even potentially completely infeasible. NSC is a jewel of a club, with an amazing history and a strong community ethos, helping people like myself to sail, a sport which is of particular importance in these Covid-19 affected times, being inherently a socially-distanced, outdoor pursuit that greatly assists with the collective mental health of the community (even in non-Covid times).
The impact on our club and community will be profound. With the sailing degraded we may lose members or be less able to attract new members, which affects the club’s viability. We depend on volunteers for our maintenance and improvements; if membership drops then there is simply less of a critical mass to regenerate the club following the Beaches Link construction.
We request TfNSW minimize the impact of maritime restrictions by urgently consulting in good faith with Northbridge Sailing Club, to help assist in retaining and regaining NSC’s attractiveness/viability.
NSC is a significant part of my life. I love sailing, and the works will mean sailing at NSC will become more difficult, less attractive, and even potentially completely infeasible. NSC is a jewel of a club, with an amazing history and a strong community ethos, helping people like myself to sail, a sport which is of particular importance in these Covid-19 affected times, being inherently a socially-distanced, outdoor pursuit that greatly assists with the collective mental health of the community (even in non-Covid times).
The impact on our club and community will be profound. With the sailing degraded we may lose members or be less able to attract new members, which affects the club’s viability. We depend on volunteers for our maintenance and improvements; if membership drops then there is simply less of a critical mass to regenerate the club following the Beaches Link construction.
We request TfNSW minimize the impact of maritime restrictions by urgently consulting in good faith with Northbridge Sailing Club, to help assist in retaining and regaining NSC’s attractiveness/viability.