WestConnex M4 East tunnelling blamed for cracks

A Concord man claims his cracked house is further evidence that WestConnex officials underestimated the tunnelling impact for the $16 billion toll road.

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A Concord man claims his cracked house is further evidence that WestConnex officials underestimated the tunnelling impact for the $16 billion toll road.

Electrician Patrick Borg lives at Broughton St — about 150m from the M4 East — which will run between Homebush and Haberfield.

He bought the double brick house in 2017. Tunnelling for the M4 East began in November 2016.

Patrick Borg inspects a crack in his house. Picture: Monique Harmer

Despite the home being about 80 years old, Mr Borg said it was in immaculate condition.

“There were no cracks. It was perfect. It was like the day it was built,” he said.

About six months later, Mr Borg noticed flakes of paint at the cornices of some rooms.

Later cracks appeared in the kitchen, bathroom, bedrooms and the hall.

Patrick Borg shows cracks in the cornice of his house which he said were not there when he bought it. Picture: Monique Harmer

A friend raised the possibility of WestConnex tunnelling, which Mr Borg suspects may be the case.

Mr Borg’s claims follow the publication of satellite images which suggest damage from WestConnex tunnelling extends much further than first thought.

While Mr Borg was earlier told he was more than 50m from the construction zone and not eligible for compensation, Roads and Maritime Services (RMS) has since changed the damage claims process.

This has allowed property owners more than 50m outside the zone to make damage claims.

Property owners can submit claims to the contractor.

The Concord interchange, part of the WestConnex project, which will open this year. Picture: WestConnex

A WestConnex spokeswoman said the contractor will review either a post condition survey or conduct an interim review and make a decision.

Factors would include the property location, the nature of construction activities, geological activities, ground monitoring data and weather records, according to the spokeswoman.

If property owners are not satisfied with the decision, they can ask for a review by WestConnex.

North Strathfield resident Umberto Galasso is another who blames WestConnex tunnelling for cracks in his house. Picture: Quentin Jones

If they are still not satisfied, they can apply for a panel appointed by RMS to review their claim.

This process is outlined on the WestConnex website - www.westconnex.com.au.

“WestConnex and its contractors are committed to undertaking a fair, robust and thorough process in assessing damage claims potentially resulting from construction activities,” the spokeswoman said.

Pre-construction surveys are offered to property owners within 50 metres of the construction zone.

These surveys provide a benchmark for the state of a property, according to the spokeswoman.

A second survey is undertaken once construction is finished.

Property owners can also request an interim review of any alleged damage at any time during construction.