Transport for NSW must convene a public meeting at Port Kembla to address concerns over the proposal to transport 9000 tonnes of rocks and soil from the WestConnex project in Sydney, NSW Parliament was told last night.
Wollongong MP, Paul Scully, told the Legislative Assembly in a Private Members Statement that very few residents were aware of the Transport for NSW proposal following the low key publication of its Spoil Management Project – Review of Environmental Factors report in August.
Mr Scully, who was not consulted by Transport for NSW about the project, told Parliament that Port Kembla may be an industrial area, but it did not deserve to be treated as a dumping ground.
Mr Scully has made representations to the Minister for Transport and Infrastructure, Andrew Constance MP, about the proposal and asked for a response to 36 separate questions (see attached) from the Minister during Budget Estimates Committee hearings in September.
He also criticised Wollongong City Council for being aware of the proposal following discussions between Council and Transport for NSW between April and August, and yet did not share a word of it with the Port Kembla community.
Transport for NSW is now required to respond to submissions and comments from the local community and stakeholders.
Mr Scully also noted in his speech that the South Coast Line will be used to transport the 9000 tonnes of spoil from the WestConnex project, which could impact on passenger services on the already congested rail line and highlighted the need for the completion of the Maldon-Dombarton rail link.
Comments attributable to Paul Scully MP:
“This proposal by Transport for NSW has been shockingly handled with a distinct lack of communication and consultation with the local Port Kembla community.
“Very few local residents were aware of this proposal and those who were only had days to respond to the 150 page document - this is simply unacceptable.
“I will not tolerate Transport for NSW bureaucrats treating the Port Kembla community with contempt and arrogance.
“If this proposal to transport 9000 tonnes of rocks and soil to Port Kemble from the WestConnex project is to proceed, I have requested that Transport for NSW officials convene a public meeting in Port Kembla to discuss its plans and answer questions of concern by local residents and stakeholders, prior to any formal approvals.”
