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Councils in Sydneyâs north have raised the alarm about the impact of a multibillion-dollar tunnel under Middle Harbour, as the NSW government insists it will be built to strict conditions of approval.
Willoughby City Council last week stated its opposition to the Beaches Link and Gore Hill Freeway Connection tunnel in its current form, while North Sydney and Northern Beaches councils expressed significant concerns about the project.
Residents in the Northern Beaches fear Burnt Bridge Creek will be damaged by the construction of the Beaches Link tunnel.
Credit:Nick Moir
Willoughby mayor Gail Giles-Gidney said there had been concern about the impact of the tunnel project, both during construction and when it is complete, since it was announced.
Rhys Evans, 32, sentenced to maximum of 18 months jail, with a minimum of 10
Faced charges of assaulting police, avoiding arrest after September rampage
Begged for help, claimed he was Superman , threatened to kill police officers
Assaulted six officers at Cremorne before being tasered and capsicum sprayed
Also faced serious driving offences from dangerous driving spree in October
Evans drove Range Rover on the wrong side of the freeway, collided with cars
After wild 45 minute chase he was stopped, tasered and restrained by 8 officers
Evans pleaded guilty to all charges and admitted a 13 year history of drug abuse
Residents on Sydney's lower north shore say their concerns about the new Western Harbour Tunnel's high-impact construction and smoke stacks have been all but ignored by the NSW Government.
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Transport Minister Andrew Constance said the tunnel, which will run three lanes of traffic in each direction, would cut travel times between North Sydney and Olympic Park by up to 20 minutes.
“This city-shaping piece of infrastructure will deliver a vital boost to the NSW economy, with the tunnel and freeway upgrade, along with Beaches Link, expected to support around 15,000 full-time equivalent jobs,” Mr Constance said.
Planning Minister Rob Stokes said any trees removed need to be replaced at a ratio of two-to-one.
“Community feedback on the project has been valuable in helping understand and deliver positive changes to the design and plan, and we will continue to work closely with local communities as the project gets underway,” Mr Stokes said.