I object on the basis that (in laypersons terms):
The unnecessary destruction of the natural waterway running from Seaforth to Queenscliff when alternative approaches appear to be available. I ask that the plans be modified to ensure this natural habitat supporting many flora and fauna species be protected by ensuring water flows are not reduced either during or after the project.
The project is at odds with the NSW govt strategy to significantly reduce vehicle traffic from the beaches by 2038, by encouraging increased vehicle usage.

The excessive impact to the local community over an extended period during construction.

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

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?

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.

We are objecting to this project as it currently stands based on a number of reasons outlined in the attached document.

This project is very destructive and worrisome for the environment. It will cause a lot of noise and pollution and a many trees and wast bushland will be cleared to make way for this road. I am also concerned about the children at Balgowlah Boys High School wo will be next to a building site or smoke stack for years to come. Sporting grounds are scarce and Balgowlah Oval will also be affected. As an avid cyclist I am concerned about increased traffic on major roads and the loss of fantastic mountain bike trails near Wakehurst Parkway.
I am disappointed that the government is not working towards an environmentally friendly solution. We need better public transport to and from the Northern Beaches and safe cycling lanes, not more cars.

Burnt Bridge Creek Deviation - 'The Life Spring of Manly' (Manly Council)
I strongly object to the destruction of this unique natural area. It is not just for the sake of the nature itself but also for the physical and mental wellbeing of the residents living in the area. My son was recently in a wheelchair for 9 weeks during COVID-19. He loves the outdoors and missed bike riding. So each day I would take him on a long walk by the creek to see the ducks and get the vitamin D that was vital to his recovery. His Dr.'s attribute this routine with his recovery. There are so few places in the area in which one who is disabled can enjoy direct contact with nature that is usually only accessible for the able.
Each day this area is used by a range of ages. Kids safely ride bikes to school and families walk their dogs. Whilst our neighbor who is quite elderly does his daily walk with his walker on the pathway. I know families that come on the weekends just to see the ducks and the bats. Major charities use the pathway for charity walks. Each day more and more people discover this uniquely special place.

You speak about the new open green fields that will be after the project is complete, but I ask what will happen during the construction? And what about those people who do not thrive in open spaces? My other son has autism and anxiety. Both of these make open fields full of people feel like torture. He needs the quiet connection with pure nature. So the proposed fields will not be of benefit to him at all. Each night he asks me what will happen to the ducks and all the bats if the water is piped. What should I tell this 9 year old boy who helps out with scout nature clean ups. Where will we walk Kyra (our dog)? It breaks my heart.
During COVID-19 when the kids were homeschooled our only daily ritual outside the house was to ride from Dudley Road to Roseberry st cafe for a treat. This 30 minute break each day provided us with a well needed mental health respite. Without it, I am not sure how we would have faired.
Please do not destroy this area for a tunnel that is not needed.