Northern Beaches Council has endorsed submitting its response to the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the Beaches Link and Gore Hill Freeway Connection.
Central to its submission, which closed on 1 March, Council is seeking assurances on significant concerns about environmental, construction and intermodal transport impacts the project may have on the Northern Beaches community.
Mayor Michael Regan said Council and the community generally support the project, but have some serious concerns that the NSW Government needs to address.
“The people of the Northern Beaches have waited far too long for efficient, reliable and sustainable transport solutions for our region, so it is vital what is delivered is right for our community,” Mayor Regan said.
“Council has thoroughly assessed the details of the 11,000-page EIS in terms of infrastructure, environmental and other areas and will provide a response to the Government that seeks to ensure the best possible outcomes for our community.
“Among some concerns raised in Council’s response are air quality, noise, heritage, bush and fauna preservation, and socioeconomic impacts that need to be resolved before the first sod is turned.”
Mayor Regan said the project is broadly accepted by Council and its design has evolved from earlier versions, based on previous community engagement.
“We have listened to the community’s concerns and have included their feedback into our response to achieve a superior outcome.
“We have raised a range of issues of concern to our Balgowlah, Seaforth and Frenchs Forest residents and several general potential impacts the proponent needs to mitigate or amend.
“Our 50-page submission also makes many suggestions on how to solve or diminish the concerns.”
Among other recommendations, Council has proposed consideration be given to:
- Impact on local roads
- Groundwater management issues and environmental impacts
- Emissions management and exhaust facilities
- Construction impacts on the local community
“Council is committed to working with the NSW Government to help deliver an important piece of infrastructure in a smart and sensitive way so ultimately people’s lives will improve,” Cr Regan said.
Council’s submission to the Beaches Link & Gore Hill Freeway Connection EIS is here.