Northern Beaches Mayor Michael Regan acknowledged that Beaches Link was “a divisive issue in the community,” but was not impressed with the decision to delay it.
“In general, the community will not be happy. We will keep the government’s promise to keep it. I want to see the preparation work begin, “he said.
The seven-mile Beaches Link Tunnels will extend from Balgowlah and Seaforth to Warringah Freeway north of Sydney, where the toll road will connect to the West Harbor Tunnel.
Proposed Itinerary of the Western Harbor Tunnel and Beaches Link. Credit: Roads and Maritime NSW
Opponents have criticized the project for plans to demolish houses, take over the Balgowlah Golf Club for a construction site, and dig up contaminated sediment from the bottom of Middle Harbor for the road tunnel.
Robinson said the decision to stop the project had raised hopes that his family could buy his home.
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“Because I mean, what will the government do now that they have all these houses they bought? They have to sell them, right?
Dudley Street resident Rowan Romuld, whose home was marked for demolition, said he was preparing to move to North Manly despite the project being delayed.
“We feel like it’s done and thrashed. We’re moving forward,” Romuld said.
“That’s the government. Things come and go and projects are incorporated and projects are canceled. And that’s it.”
Romuld said at first he was excited at the prospect of the government buying him out of his home for seven years, but the process “wasn’t much fun.”
“It definitely seemed unfair to me. I don’t necessarily feel like it was valued fairly.”
The Perrottet government says it is still committed to building the highway to reduce congestion on Military Road. Credit: Brook Mitchell
Mosman mayor Carolyn Corrigan said the lower north coast council was “very disappointed” that the project had been halted as it was intended to alleviate long-term congestion on the Spit Bridge and the military road.
“While the council respects the independent recommendation, we strongly urge the NSW government to continue to seek alternative solutions, such as increasing transport links between Dee Why and Chatswood.”
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Speaking at the Herald’s Infrastructure Summit last week, Perrottet also said residents of northern beaches should be “safe” prepared to accept higher-density development if they build the project.
Infrastructure and Cities Minister Rob Stokes, who is a Pittwater MP, said the highway would be “readjusted for the growth that has already taken place”.
Regan said the council would “fight with nails and teeth” any attempt to increase housing density.
“Any government or opposition that tries this shit would have an absolute nightmare to deal with us,” he said.
Corrigan said it would not be appropriate to further raise housing targets in Mosman.
The link to the beaches was expected to end in 2027-28. Government documents leaked in 2017 estimated the combined cost of building the western port tunnel and linking the beaches at $ 14 billion.
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