Western Harbour Tunnel works forces residents ‘out of homes’ as council intervenes over traffic complaints

Homeowners in suburbs including Cammeray say their local streets and homes have become ‘unbearable’ as they suffer through ongoing noise, dust and vibrations impacts from ongoing works on a multi-billion dollar tunnel.

North Shore residents are venting their frustration over impacts of Western Harbour Tunnel construction work – with claims dozens of complaints from residents impacted by noise, traffic and dust are going unanswered.

Homeowners in suburbs including Cammeray say their local streets and homes have become “unbearable” as they suffer through ongoing noise, dust and vibrations impacts from ongoing works on the multi-billion dollar tunnel.

Once completed, the tunnel will connect motorists from the Rozelle Interchange under Sydney Harbour onto the upgraded Warringah Freeway.

Many residents say they have lodged complaints about the project to Transport for NSW however have been left waiting weeks’ for official responses.

Many neighbours have turned to a newly formed resident group called Cammeray Voices which was set up to advocate for mitigation measures.

Residents claim construction vehicles are clogging local roads.

“There have been considerable issues around parking, noise levels and air pollution.” a Cammeray Voices spokeswoman said.

“For people who are right next to the sites, they’re putting up with late night works – last week at Cammeray Golf Course they were mowing the lawn after 9.30pm at night and it’s not acceptable.

“We’ve also had people who have moved out of the area simply because of the noise and not having their complaints followed up on.

A photo of construction works for the new tunnel.

“With the amount of construction vehicles parked on roads, residents are getting stuck at home and are not wanting to go out because they know they can’t get a parking space on their streets.

“We have another six years of construction work. It’s a major concern.”

Resident concerns were given an airing at a Parliamentary hearing which heard Transport for NSW was allegedly not meeting the ministerial conditions in relation to how complaints by the community are being handled.

The project includes upgrading the Warringah Freeway.

The hearing heard claims that only 69 per cent of complaints lodged by Cammeray Voices on behalf of residents since September have been followed up on with an acknowledgment or response.

Roads Minister John Graham said he was “aware” of the issue and that there has “been some focus on this” and “some attempt at improvement.”

“I’m certainly aware of the issue and it certainly is one of the things that I’m concerned about,” he said.

Roads Minister John Graham was quizzed about the complaints at a Budget Estimates hearing.

“I don’t regard the figures … as acceptable and I expect that those conditions are adhered to.”

Transport for NSW in a statement said “community engagement is essential to the successful delivery of the project and complaints are taken seriously and handled as promptly as possible.”

Transport for NSW figures state the average response time to a complaint or inquiry has ranged from 10 minutes to 10 days since September.

“The project complaints line is staffed 24 hours a day and all emails receive an automated response to acknowledge receipt and advice about further communication,” a department spokesman said.

Residents say dust and noise has forced some residents to move out of the area.

“Some complaints are received several times from a complainant and are grouped together as one complaint.

“Although complaints may be managed appropriately and resolved, the complainant may not agree with the outcome.”

Concerns over traffic impacts from the project have meanwhile forced intervention from North Sydney Council which this week approved plans to waive parking fines for residents with parking permits during construction works on the project.

Mayor Zoe Baker said relaxed parking rules would include prioritising on-street parking for residents who are at their “wits’ end”.

Cammeray Voices has called for increased scrutiny around the complaints processes as well as assurances mandatory response times are being adhered to.

Complaints have also been referred to the Department of Planning which regulates conditions applying to the project.