31 March
2004
Independent Bligh MP and City of Sydney Lord Mayor elect, Clover Moore, today called for the Government to urgently meet its commitment on road tunnel filtration.
ÒI welcome the Minister for RoadsÕ promise to trial road tunnel filtration and I call for immediately work with concerned community representatives on the trial,Ó Ms Moore said.
ÒSince the MinisterÕs announcement, there have been no details about the trialÕs process or time frame. We need action to know this commitment was more than a local government election stunt.
ÒVehicle emissions from tunnels are a significant pollution source and a proven health risk, particularly in densely populated inner city areas.
ÒNow the Roads and Traffic Authority (RTA) has acknowledged the benefit of tunnel filtration and it must take urgent action for the health of Sydney residents,Ó Ms Moore said.
Ms Moore today supported action by GASP (Groups Against Stack Pollution) calling for:
¤ A committee including community representatives to oversee the tender process for the filtration trial;
¤ A tight timeframe for the trial, with filtration on the M5 East by the end of 2004 to speed action on the Eastern Distributor, Cross City Tunnel and Lane Cover Tunnel; and
¤ Immediately redesign of the Cross City Tunnel and Land Cover Tunnels to provide for in-tunnel filtration before the tunnels open.
ÒWhile environmentalists and health researchers warn about the dangers of vehicle emissions, the RTA continues to support over-scaled freeway developments that induce increased traffic,Ó Ms Moore said.
ÒMy Independent Team on Council will develop an integrated transport plan for the City of Sydney to drive whole-of-government action on more environmentally friendly transport, including cycling and pedestrian access, and light rail extensions.
"The former City of Sydney Council stated it would support tunnel filtration that has proven effectiveness. The community believes tunnel filtration technology has been proven internationally for years.
ÒThe new City Council will be an environmental leader, and will pres the State Government to meet its responsibility for road tunnel filtration for the benefit of all Sydney residents,Ó Ms Moore concluded.