WestConnex workers deny M4 East tunnelling cracked homes

Homeowners who say tunnelling for the WestConnex motorway has cracked their houses have been dealt another blow: letters dismissing their damage claims.

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Homeowners who say tunnelling for the WestConnex motorway has cracked their houses have been dealt another blow: letters dismissing their damage claims.

The North Strathfield residents live above the M4 East tunnel, where three lanes in each direction pass about 40m below their homes.

They noticed cracks appear after tunnelling began last year.

Stephanie Dennett is among those who have asked for help.

Stephanie Dennett in her bathroom. She said there were no cracks prior to tunnelling. Picture: Quentin Jones

Large cracks have appeared in the bedroom, bathroom and other places of her heritage home since the tunnelling.

“It’s beyond a plaster and putty job,” she said.

Stephanie Dennett in her bedroom. Picture: Quentin Jones

Across the road, neighbour Sam Tomeo shares the same problem.

He has photos of his walls before the tunnelling, and cracked ones after.

The neighbours have argued their case for repairs to the contactor, a joint venture of CPB, Samsung and John Holland.

The contactor, and not Roads and Maritime Services, is responsible for claims.

The former has written to Ms Dennett and Mr Tomeo and said it could not find evidence linking the tunnelling with the damage.

Workers last year preparing the M4 East tunnel. Picture: David Swift

Instead it claimed soil movement measurements were natural and seasonal, and that vibrations were within limits. No data is contained in the letters.

Mr Tomeo, whose claim amounted to $10,000, was frustrated: “the contractors are judge, jury and executioner here,” he said.

“Unsurprisingly, no-one gets their claim approved.

“They are saying `we’re going to deny your claim without providing any evidence’.

“And I don’t have a right of appeal.”

The Westconnex interchange at Strathfield includes tunnels (light blue) and roads (dark blue). Source: WestConnex

He and Ms Dennett are believed to be among the first residents to have their claims denied.

A spokesman for RMS said it took damage claims seriously and was helping homeowners resolve them.

He said RMS and the contractor had contacted homeowners with damage claims and offered to investigate ahead of post-construction surveys.

“The government will continue to hold contractors to account on WestConnex, which is why we encourage anyone who wishes to progress their feedback or concern over property damage to reach out,” he said.

Umberto Galasso is another North Strathfield resident who claims tunnelling caused cracks in his house. Picture: Quentin Jones

“If property owners are unsatisfied with the outcome of their claim with the M4 East contractor, RMS will ensure a review is made and if the contractor is found to have caused damage the contractor will be required to pay for it.”

Residents have questioned what power the RMS has over these disputes.

The spokesman said RMS would enforce its contracts with Sydney Motorway Corporation and the contractor and ensure they complied with the conditions of approval.

Strathfield state Labor MP Jodi McKay said an independent panel was needed to resolve claims so residents had confidence in the process.

This is being formed for the next stage, the M4-M5 link.

The M4 East is the first underground section of the toll road and is due to open early next year.