Anti-tunnel campaigners gather 10,000 signature petition against Beaches Link Tunnel
Residents are calling for the “destructive” Beaches Link Tunnel to be scrapped and have collected 10,000 signatures to show the strength of local feeling.
Mosman
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Campaigners have gathered 10,000 signatures for a petition against the Beaches Link and Western Harbour Tunnel project.
Stop the Tunnels group has offered the petition to Premier Gladys Berejiklian and wants it to be tabled in parliament.
“We want to give voice to the widespread rejection of these ineffective and destructive toll road projects,” group member Larissa Penn said.
The petition requests the State Government to stop the tunnel project and undertake “meaningful” community consultation.
It demands that the business case for the project is released and that if built the tunnels should include smoke stack filtration.
The petition also calls for substantive public transport options within the project.
The group said it was told the community could drop the petition into the Premier’s office at anytime and were unhappy with this response. Members felt dropping it off to office staff did not honour or respect the petition.
“Whilst we do want our local member to represent her community, we do not want the petition sitting on a politician’s desk, the intent is for it to be submitted to parliament as soon as possible,” Ms Penn said.
It has also offered the petition to Planning Minister Rob Stokes.
Group member Bevin Aston is concerned about unfiltered stacks being placed close to schools in the area. Her four-year-old son is due to start at Anzac Park Public School next year.
Members also have concerns about the environment.
“I love living in Naremburn and am concerned about the environmental impacts such a tunnel will have,” fellow group member Alison Burns said.
“The fact that we have a natural wilderness on our doorstep with Flat Rock Gully is a great asset to the wider community.
“A tunnel will destroy this greatly valued haven that has been so hard fought for.”
Last year a petition in favour of the tunnel was started by Mosman Councillor Simon Menzies. It is still active at change.org and has more than 500 signatures.
North Shore MP Felicity Wilson said the tunnel project is supported in the community.
“This project has strong support across our community to address some of Sydney’s most congested roads,” Ms Wilson said.
“The NSW Government will continue to consult with stakeholders as the next stage of the project progresses, and I look forward to delivering this crucial piece of infrastructure for our community.”
The Mosman Daily has contacted the Premier’s office for comment.
