Backlash grows over plans to use Sydney parks, golf course as tunnel construction sites

Plans to use five Sydney parks for construction on the city’s next tunnel project has sparked backlash from council planners and calls for public “land bridges” to be created for the region’s residents.

St Leonards Park would be used for construction works on the tunnel from next year.

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Plans to use five parks and a golf course for construction of the Western Harbour Tunnel has sparked backlash from a Sydney council with calls for the project to be redesigned to reduce impacts on residents.

A review by North Sydney Council has raised “significant” objections to the loss of parks and open space that would be acquired for the proposed motorway project that would link Westconnex in Rozelle to the Warringah Fwy.

The tunnel would link the Warringah Fwy to Rozelle.

Construction support sites would be built on parks in North Sydney and Cammeray.

Plans by Transport for NSW show the project would involve carving off sections of Cammeray Park and golf course, St Leonards Park, Anzac Park, Alfred Street Park, High Street Reserve and waterfront land at Berrys Bay.

The total amount of open space to be temporarily or permanently acquired would tally 61,538 sqm, including 48,187 sqm of St Leonards Park and the permanent acquisition of 28,896 sqm of Cammeray Park.

Works at Cammeray Park would involve redesigning the golf course along with removing trees and the council’s stormwater harvesting facility which collects 30 million litres of water per year.

A concept plan of the "land bridge" proposed by North Sydney Council

The council has recommended the project be redesigned to reduce impacts on residents and called for the construction of public “land bridges” across the Warringah Fwy to offset the loss of green space.

“Given the extent and nature of impacts, a broader approach is recommended so the substantive negative impacts generated by this project are offset,” the council said.

“There is no reason why such a major project as this should not strive to leave a lasting positive legacy.”

The council said land bridges would offset the loss of community space.

Plans by Transport for NSW state land earmarked for acquisition would be “reinstated and rehabilitated” for community use once works are completed.

A department spokesman said the project had been designed to minimise impacts where possible.

“The proposed sites for the Western Harbour Tunnel have been carefully selected to minimise the number of private properties we need to acquire,” the spokesman said.

“We will investigate possible design refinements to reduce impacts as much as possible, and look at maximising the open space we can return to the community.”

Transport for NSW said new community space would be created at Berrys Bay once works are completed.

The council review also found the acquisitions would place growing pressure on the region’s parks and open spaces, partly driven by population growth and high rise development.

“The majority of new dwellings and growth (in North Sydney) is occurring in the form of residential flat buildings where alternate private areas of open space are simply not available in the form of the traditional back yard,” the council said.

“The impact of the prolonged and permanent loss of open space will be profound.”

The council supported plans to create additional community space at Berrys Bay once construction is completed but raised concerns temporary works would cause “irreparable damage” to heritage sites including Woodleys slipway.

Documents by Transport for NSW state temporary works at St Leonards Park could “detract from the use and enjoyment” of the park and result in potential noise and dust impacts on North Sydney Bowling Club and users of North Sydney Oval.

The proposal is open for feedback until March 30.