Beaches Link, Western Harbour Tunnel construction impacts to be examined

PEOPLE concerned about the construction traffic and impacts of the proposed Western Harbour and Beaches Link tunnels have badgered their council into more closely examining its effects.

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PEOPLE concerned about the construction traffic and impacts of the proposed Western Harbour and Beaches Link tunnels have badgered their council into more closely examining its effects.

Willoughby councillors last night unanimously voted for staff to prepare a study of the infrastructure and environmental impacts of the two state government projects.

Residents want more details of land impacts, construction sites, vehicle movements and tunnel ventilation.

The proposed Western Harbour Tunnel (dark blue) and the Beaches Link (orange). Picture: RMS

The 6.5km, six lane Western Harbour Tunnel would connect the Warringah Freeway to the Rozelle interchange, while the Beaches Link tunnel would connect the Gore Hill and Warringah freeways to the northern beaches.

Construction sites are proposed across the north shore, including at community spaces such as Cammeray Golf Course, and the Flat Rock bushland and baseball parks at Naremburn.

The baseball ground at Flat Rock, Naremburn, is among the areas proposed to be a construction site. Picture: Troy Snook

Willoughby Environmental Protection Association president Gay Spies told the meeting that the bushland at Flat Rock had to be protected from construction traffic after years of restoration.

Another resident, Georgina Taylor, said North Sydney Council staff had learned more about the tunnel consequences through an impact study.

She asked why Willoughby had not done a similar investigation.

Willoughby Council staff said residents’ concerns had already been relayed to the government.

The council did not have the resources to carry out an impact study, according to the staff, and this would require hiring a consultant.

However Greens councillor Lynne Saville’s motion for an impact study was carried.

“If we can’t stop (the tunnels), lets ensure we mitigate their effects,” she said.

Cr Lynne Saville said the council needed to do more for its ratepayers. Picture: John Appleyard

The study will be made public, and will inform a council submission to the government.

The council may apply for a late submission, as the deadline for the current round of public feedback is December 1.

Earlier in the meeting, mayor Gail Giles-Gidney said she had twice spoken to Premier Gladys Berejiklian about community concerns over the tunnels in recent weeks.

Residents say Roads and Maritime Services (RMS) representatives have told them there would be up to 70 truck movements per hour on Flat Rock Drive during construction.

The RMS would not discuss the figure when contacted by the Times.

Instead a spokesman said Beaches Link would reduce traffic on Eastern Valley Way by 35 per cent, and traffic on Roseville Bridge by 25 per cent.

The RMS is due to prepare an environmental assessment report, which will be made public, before seeking planning approval.