Melbourne Metro rail tunnel: North Melbourne Football Club concerned about effects on players

NORTH Melbourne fears the health and performance of its players could be put at risk by the construction of the Melbourne Metro rail tunnel.

Kangaroos players at Arden St. Picture: Robert Cianflone/Getty

NORTH Melbourne fears the health and performance of its players could be put at risk by the construction of the Melbourne Metro rail tunnel.

The club’s Arden St training has been identified as particularly sensitive to dust emissions from the Arden worksite, which is the major staging ground for the northern end of the project.

North chief executive Carl Dilena warned reduced air quality could affect North’s “business of elite sport”.

“Good air quality is critical in this elite sporting environment,” Mr Dilena wrote in a submission to the Melbourne Metro environment effects inquiry.

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“We’d like to ensure no detriment in air quality during the construction period.”

The club backed the project overall but raised concerns about the impact during years of work.

Mr Dilena questioned whether the tunnelling work would disrupt groundwater and affect the club’s ability to “maintain an elite playing surface for our athletes”.

“We would like assurances that the oval will not be adversely impacted and provision for compensation if adverse impacts arise.”

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The project’s environment effects statement said the Arden construction site would be used to remove spoil from the tunnel boring works, with up to 182 truck trips expected in and out of the site every day.

The EES said North’s home ground was a “sensitive receptor” which could be affected by dust emissions during southerly and westerly winds.

The club suggested dedicated parking may be needed for the club and that traffic would be a major issue.

Twitter: @tminear