What does the environmental assessment process involve?

As with any major transport infrastructure project, Western Harbour Tunnel and Beaches Link will be subject to a rigorous and comprehensive environmental impact assessment.

This assessment will examine all potential environmental and social impacts that may occur during the construction and operation of the project, and proposed mitigation measures to avoid, manage or mitigate these impacts.  This includes traffic, air quality, noise and vibration, spoil disposal, sediment management, Aboriginal and European heritage, flora, fauna and marine ecology, and sustainability.

There will be two Environmental Impact Statements – one for Western Harbour Tunnel (including Warringah Freeway upgrade) and one for Beaches Link (including the Gore Hill Freeway connection). Each will address the Secretary’s Environmental Assessment Requirements (SEARs) issued in December 2017.

The environmental assessment will be managed by the NSW Department of Planning and Environment. There will be a public exhibition period and the documents will be available to view on the Department’s website during that time.

You will be able to make formal submissions on any aspect of the project once the EISs are on display. There will be further community engagement during the exhibition period, including further community sessions.

The Environmental Impact Statements will be reviewed by the Department of Planning and Environment, NSW Chief Scientist and Engineer, NSW Chief Health Officer, and independent reviewers before planning approval can be granted.