WestConnex M4-M5 Link, Western Harbour Tunnel: residents hit out over explosives, Rozelle works

Explosives could be used under hundreds of Sydney homes and businesses for the next stage of WestConnex, find out where.

The NSW Government hasn’t ruled out the use of rock-blasting explosives for the next stage of the controversial WestConnex project — which could see dense rock slowing down the tunnelling process detonated under hundreds of inner west homes.

Despite scrapping plans for the use of a “controlled blasting program” in the WestConnex project at Annandale in September, the government contractor has retained a licence with the NSW Environmental Protection Authority to detonate rock under hundreds of homes in Leichhardt for the M4-M5 link tunnels, sparking a flurry of concern from residents.

Controlled explosives could be used to detonate rock under hundreds of homes in Leichhardt for the WestConnex Link Tunnels.

Balmain state Greens MP Jamie Parker hit out at the decision to retain the licence, telling NewsLocal the use of explosives to speed up tunnelling would result in “serious and unnecessary damage to homes”.

However, a WestConnex spokesman argued controlled blasting was “highly unlikely”.

“The government have applied for a licence with the NSWEPA for tunnel blasting in Leichhardt,” Mr Parker said. “We know there has already been significant damage to peoples homes along the WestConnex route and the use of explosives will place significant risk on already vulnerable homes.”

Member for Balmain Jamie Parker hit out at the plans for controlled explosives. (AAP Image/Joel Carrett)

Mr Parker called on the government to “relinquish licences for rock blasting” after NSW Environment Minister Matt Kean confirmed the process “could be viable in parts of Leichhardt”.

“The Infrastructure approval permits the use of controlled blasting for the WestConnex M4-M5 Link Project,” Mr Kean said in a letter to the local MP. “Controlled blasting is only considered as a viable alternative when other options are limited.”

The Environment Minister said he was advised the use of explosives could “potentially reduce noise and vibration amenity impacts” with the construction contractor proposing a controlled blasting program between MacKenzie and Norton streets, Leichhardt.

A Transport for NSW spokesman said the WestConnex contractor advised it was “highly unlikely controlled blasting will be used for tunnelling on this project, including in the Leichhardt area”.

A construction worker is seen during construction of the WestConnex project. (AAP Image/Ben Rushton)

“The contractor’s final decision is expected soon, and the community and stakeholders will be advised of the decision,” the spokesman said. “Last year the contractor commenced a program of comprehensive community engagement and will continue to keep the community informed.”

The concern over the use of explosives comes as Inner West Mayor, Darcy Byrne, attacked the government’s plans to extract millions of tonnes of potentially dangerous waste in the middle of Rozelle for the Western Harbour Tunnel.

The former Balmain Leagues Club could become a ‘dive site’ for the Western Harbour Tunnel. Unhappy residents David Anderson (front) Robyn Steele and Mick Steele. (AAP IMAGE/Matthew Vasilescu)

The massive dig is planned to take place opposite Rozelle Public School at the former Balmain Tigers site, where more than 100 students could be exposed to the months long dig.

Cr Byrne dubbed the dive site as an inner-city “mine” that will kill off businesses on Darling St

“It’s best described as a small mine because all that soil under the harbour is coming out of that shaft,” Cr Byrne said. “Millions of tonnes of spoil is going to be trucked out 24/7 and cause massive safety problems.

“Baring in mind it is opposite Rozelle Public School who are now in the middle of this industrial site.

“Constance has never come out and spoken to our businesses about this … it’s clear from grant rorts to the implementation of WestConnex there is one rule for the coalition and another for the rest of us.”

Inner West Mayor Darcy Byrne. (AAP IMAGE MONIQUE HARMER)

Mr Parker said the proposed location was “particularly sensitive, because these residents have already been smashed by the initial construction of the WestConnex project”. 

But the Transport spokesman hit back, telling NewsLocal the Western Harbour Tunnel link at the Rozelle Interchange would create a “game-changing western bypass of the CBD”.

“Because these projects overlap and to minimise impacts on the community, we’re carrying out some enabling work for the Western Harbour Tunnel while we deliver the Rozelle Interchange,” he said. “This is consistent with planning approvals and avoids potential further disruption.

“Transport for NSW will continue to engage with local businesses, schools and the community as we develop and plan construction.”

Warringah Fwy upgrade and western harbour tunnel imagery