O'FARRELL GOVERNMENT IGNORES WARNINGS ON NWRL CONSTRUCTION CAUSING TRAFFIC AND NOISE CHAOS

MEDIA RELEASE | Wednesday, 1 August 2012

O'FARRELL GOVERNMENT IGNORES WARNINGS ON NWRL CONSTRUCTION CAUSING TRAFFIC AND NOISE CHAOS

REFUSES TO TAKE OWN DEPARTMENT'S ADVICE TO MINIMISE DAMAGE

The O'Farrell Government has ignored key advice from its own departments warning of traffic chaos and health risks during the construction of the North West Rail Link, the NSW Labor Opposition revealed today.

Both the Roads and Maritime Services (RMS) and Environment Protection Authority (EPA) advised the government of serious concerns about traffic gridlock and excessive noise pollution - including near schools, childcare centres and residential facilities for people with disabilities - in submissions to the rail line plan and were ignored.

"The O'Farrell Government asked for submissions on its North West Rail Link plan and then ignored the advice it received from its own departments when they raised significant issues with traffic congestion, noise, vibration and air pollution," Shadow Transport Minister Penny Sharpe said.

"There will be traffic chaos on north west Sydney roads during construction, because the government won't limit the movements of thousands of trucks during peak periods in line with advice from RMS.

"Some 6,000 heavy vehicles and utes will be jammed onto already congested roads during the morning and afternoon peaks, causing mayhem on our roads.

"The O'Farrell Government's decision to ignore the advice of the RMS to limit truck movements during peak hours will mean drivers trying to get to and from work are in for many more hours in the car."

Ms Sharpe said the O'Farrell Government also refused to listen to the EPA, who warned of major noise disruptions and vibrations throughout construction.

"The O'Farrell Government's own experts and local residents have warned of significant health issues arising from the 24 hours per day, seven days per week noise and vibrations, and the Premier and Transport Minister have still refused to listen," Ms Sharpe said.

"The impact on children at nearby schools and preschools such as the Kindalin Early Childhood School, as well as other vulnerable people living in places such as the Inala home for people with disabilities, will be felt greatly.

"Despite tunnelling and truck movements occurring 24/7 during construction, the O'Farrell Government has paid little more than lip service to addressing these legitimate concerns."