- I Oppose the Beaches link tunnel
-I also Support the Northbridge Progress Association submission
- I also Support the WEPA submission
My objections are outlined below :
- contamination issues in Flat Rock Gully, Clive Park, Tunks Park and Middle Harbour

- air quality and health concerns for school children in Lower North shore, Cammeray, Northbridge, North Sydney due to increased trucks, vehicles dust and particles during lengthy construction period and once operational

- consider other alternatives rather than Flat Rock Drive site due to proximity to residential and sporting facilities and increased traffic congestion and safety concerns with so many trucks, vehicles and workers in the area.

- Flat Rock Gully not to be used as the primary dive for the Beaches Link due to changes in groundwater levels and water quality impacting on ecosystems in the short and long term both at FRG and Middle Harbour, known contaminants in former tip site that will be disturbed, predicted severe settlement at site.

- Ground settlement/ 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.

- All properties above the tunnel route 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.

- A re-assessment of surface level traffic with all major local roads included in the operational modelling eg Eastern Valley Way, the full span of Military Rd and Willoughby Rd was not included. The surface road traffic assessment should then inform the pollution impact of the project as the pollution contribution is not only limited to the stacks. Also consider "rat runs" as every time a new toll road is introduced it results in more local traffic as people look to avoid the toll roads.

- Have not seen the business case that supports this proposal, benefits on website list improved travel times for some people from Northern Beaches but what about the negative impacts and longer travel times and disruption for those living close to work sites for 5 to 8 years (Willoughby and North Sydney Council residents) who will not even be able to access the link nearby. Include the extra time stopped at traffic lights around Flat Rock Drive, Miller St Cammeray, Ernest and Falcon sts and the extra commuting time for cars and the public buses that are used by people from the lower north shore.

- A comparative public transport options analysis to be published (via a reissuance of the EIS for public consultation) that compares the traffic implications both during and after construction of a mass transit solution. Also where are all of these cars going to park when they make it into the city. This is a tunnel/link to nowhere that creates more parking pressure and removes valuable green spaces and natural environment.

-That the EIS be revised and re-exhibited after the following has been done:
1. an analysis of the effect the B-line has had in relieving congestion. B line empty buses also use Flat Rock Drive, how is this going to impact their ability to get to/from the city in a reasonable time.
2. an analysis of the likely effect on congestion a B-line type service connecting Dee Why to the metro at Chatswood would have on reducing congestion
3. A full comparative analysis of a mass transit alternatives ie between Dee Why and Chatswood to take commuter traffic off local roads and with/or without an extension of the current Metro under Military Rd to relieve local congestion as previously proposed

-The proposed works on the FRG site and at the base of Clive Park would be expected to significantly impact wildlife and interfere with the existing wildlife corridors and ecological linkages across several local catchments. Apart from the obvious impacts arising from the destruction of trees and bushland, the around-the-clock nature of tunneling and the passage of trucks and people to and from the site will undoubtedly introduce additional noise and night-time light pollution.

- Object to the use of Middle Harbour as a construction site for the Immersion tunnel due to detrimental impact to marine life and ecosystem. Also due to potential contamination, pollution around Northbridge Baths, Clive Park, Northbridge Sailing Club and Northbridge Sea Scouts boatshed. Serious health and safety risks from swimming and boating in this area.

My concerns and objections to the build of the Beaches Tunnel link are in line with what the BNPS P&C President put forward - please see below:-
- Re-looking at the justification of the tunnel and if it's even required post COVID world - the figures put forward in the EIS indicate minimal reduction to traffic through Mosman for a significant and disproportionate use of public funds.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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 - 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.
- 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.
- Environment - 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 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. We are not sure the tunnel is the answer.

Thank you!

The new Northern Beaches Tunnel proposes to upgrade the Wakehurst Parkway from two lanes to four lanes between Seaforth Oval and Warringah Road, Frenchs Forest.
It is excellent that mitigation is planned to prevent the roadkill of native animals. The use of underpasses and possum ropes will help to ensure that there is some connectivity between the significant areas of bushland between Manly Dam and Garigal National Park. It is essential that all exclusion fencing is built to the specifications below (see further down).
There are three significant deficiencies in the Environmental Impact Statement -
1) The requirement for an overpass to be used exclusively by wildlife. Science studies of the Compton Bypass in QLD have demonstrated that small passerine birds and microbats use overpasses. Overpasses are essential to maintain connectivity for these species. Four or more lanes act as barriers for these species.
2) The addition of gates to the wildlife exclusion fences, to allow wildlife to exit bushland in the event of a bushfire.
3) The absence of concrete barriers in the median strip, to allow wildlife to exit bushland (in the event again of a bushfire)

The RMS fauna fencing requirements (R0800 standards):
50 chain-link fencing fabric 2.5 dia ( knuckle / knuckle mesh )
15 dia. heavily galvanized wire cable ties at max 350mm intervals
Structural grade galvanized steel pipe (intermediate posts) erected vertically (max 400mm between posts)
Min post heights—1167mm above ground with an additional 4000mm cranked top facing the fauna protection area
Mesh should overhang the top of the cranked post by 500mm
Posts should be inserted in 900mm x 300mm footers using 20 MPa strength concrete (for corners and strainer posts)
Intermediate posts should be inserted in 600mm x 200mm footers using 20 MPa strength concrete

There is no valid reason to build this tunnel in terms of cost and benefit or the creation of beneficial infrastructure. I have significant concerns about contamination by heavy metals and PFAS of areas used for leisure/sport and risk of more areas becoming contaminated as works is underway. Issue with industrial landfill used which will create further contamination and also risks to harbour and surrounds with movements to sediment. This requires further testing with a further EIS reissued for public comment so impacts are understood, full health risk assessment, real time water and air quality monitoring. Significant concerns about the removal of 3m T round based spoil and >160m3 contaminated sediment and storage of this which all will affect groundwater and subsistence risk. Risks to heritage sites, vibration, significant truck movements and incomplete flood study. Unacceptable management and health risks from silica caused by tunneling. This requires no spoil stored on site, remediation of site post construction, proper management of silica, effective ground water management and remediation of properties affected by soil settlement. Unacceptable pollution levels and air quality including in areas very close to local schools and preschools. The stacks need to be filtered with proper real time monitoring and alerts for pollution. There is also a significant threat to key pockets of Sydney bushland and biodiversity from this project.

I object to this project whole heartedly. Living in Cammeray North Sydney there is very little benefit. We are losing the water reservoir underneath the Cammeray Golf Club which serves a wide area and which will not be replaced. Residential streets will become rat runs. Residents and many local schools will suffer from the outfall of the unfiltered stacks - which are not gold/world standard.

I object to this project on environmental and health concerns. The project has no business case with public transport being be a better alternative. The impact on our climate from selfish projects like these is going to be seen as a huge shame on our generation. Specifically with regards to this project I note the environmental damage to:

The harbour, beaches (where the water is being pumped) from dredging;
The damage to burnt bridge creek;
The damage to sacred aboriginal land;

I also note the health concerns from car fumes and unfiltered stacks near many schools including those attended by children.

I strongly object to this project especially in light of the recent changes to flexible working that have changed forever the way we commute, and how and where we work. Also the mixed messages we send our children and each other.

We are constantly educating our children, all children, in Australia and the World to care for our environment. We teach them to be innovative, to invent and design with sustainability in mind. It is so hypocritical of our Government to propose a project such as this.

Our Government encourages waste free lunch boxes in Schools and other environmental initiatives. They want our kids and us to make the changes and do the heavy lifting while they please big business and industry, money talks apparently and our Government listens. I wouldn’t blame my kids for giving up. We dont want more cars and trucks on the road. We want less, so invest our money in more suitable infrastructure projects. Who wins this argument? Who will our Government listen to, the People & Environment or the Motor Vehicle Industry? Sydney already has many days of poor air quality, how can you justify enabling even more pollution and emissions?

The Victorian Government and Melbourne City have embraced sustainable means of travel and this is evident by their current and proposed walking and cycling networks. Look at other cities around the World who are also already creating innovative environmentally friendly solutions. Not just...let’s build yet another road and tunnel.