Protesters Defeat Tunnel Workers

Illawarra Mercury

Saturday May 23, 1998

By LISA SEWELL

Northern suburbs residents have claimed a victory after they stopped work on the controversial Scarborough-Wombarra drainage tunnel project yesterday.

State Rail Authority contractors, Transfield and Fluor Daniel, moved in the earth-moving equipment early in the morning, only to be confronted by about 60 protesters.

Residents were offered a reprieve when the contractors agreed to stop work until early next week.

Wombarra resident Andrew Whiley said residents were worried the excavation would destroy the rock platform and headland at Wombarra.

"The majority of residents are still convinced that an alternative can be found for the tunnel project," he said.

"It will not resolve flooding problems and the community will suffer due to damage that's going to be caused to the beach and headland."

Wombarra Preservation spokeswoman Karen Gough said the community would continue to reject the tunnel option as it was expensive and potentially dangerous.

"One of the most beautiful and pristine beaches in the northern suburbs is being turned into a construction site," she said.

"There has been no public consultation about the construction schedule and how this work will impact on the lifestyle of residents and beach users."

Residents are now calling on NSW Transport and Roads Minister Carl Scully to intervene in discussions.

© 1998 Illawarra Mercury

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