Issues related to construction, roads, canals etc.

Arguments against development of the proposed canal estate in Ralphs Bay

There will be a long period of disruption due to construction of the waterways, islands, buildings, sewerage, water and surrounds, not to mention upgrading of the South Arm Highway through Lauderdale.

Quotes (in red) and page references are taken from the the Lauderdale Quay Draft Integrated Impact Statement, its appenices or its Executive Summary
  • Some statistics related to the amount of material that is to be shifted.
    • the access channel

     

    • material to be dredged for construction of islands.  Imagine TWO 100 metre x 100 metre x 100 metre cubes of material excavated from Ralphs Bay to get an idea of how big this impact is.
    • rocks for construction of bund.

"Water access will be via a navigation channel extending some 1.3km into Ralphs Bay from the entry into the main access channel." (p. XII)


“Drawings of the proposed civil works illustrate a program involving the extraction of approximately 2,000,000m3 of suitable material from within Ralphs Bay and the subsequent use of this material.”  Executive Summary of DIIS, page VII.  
  • Disruption to traffic through Lauderdale for an extended period of time.
 "The project will increase traffic on the surrounding road network however it is not likely that operational conditions will be affected, in terms of capacity. Some road safety issues are identified and recommendations in response to such issues have been made including the lowering the speed limit on South Arm Road ..." (p. XII). Can an increase in the movement of heavy vehicles not affect traffic flow?
  • The noise of heavy machinery and its effect on surrounding residents, school children and staff at the Lauderdale Primary School, and on the public at large.

A safe level in classrooms - during teaching sessions is said to be 35 dB

"In the longer term the majority of construction work will generate noise levels between 10 – 20 dB(A) above background noise levels and exceed the nominated noise limits." (p. XIII)

What is meant by the words "..above background noise levels.."? Check out Table 27 "Background Sound Pressure Level Monitoring" on p 199 of the DIIS.
  • Dust and air borne pollutants from the construction site and the drying sediments have the potential to blow across and settle over Lauderdale including the Primary School and residential areas.
  
  • The movement of many tonnes of material on an already inadequate highway system raises concerns of noise, safety to other road users and the presence of increased pollution from exhaust fumes.
  
  • Of great concern is the proximity of the construction site to the Lauderdale Primary School. There is potential for construction to continue for up to 17 years. Children starting school now will be exposed to the noise, dust and pollution of the construction site for the whole of their primary school lives. Their future health would benifit from clean air and low stress levels. Teachers too benifit from a healthy environment.