Mon 15 June  -

Extremely disappointing is how Member for Manly Mike Baird describes the decision by the Roads and Traffic Authority to reject a proposed tunnel to fix the Spit Bridge.

“Once again it appears we have a Government agency which thinks it knows best and cuts the community out of its assessment process,” said Mr Baird.

“I call on the Roads Minister, Michael Daley, to make the RTA’s analysis public so we can independently review their conclusions and hear his views on the plan.

“The Minister has given a verbal commitment to keep politics out of this issue and we need to urgently hear what his views of the RTA’s findings are.

“I was looking to hold public forums so the merits of the proposal could be debated.  Now the Government appears to have left us out, stuck with the current project which only focuses on improving traffic flows along Military Road.

“That’s a short term measure which doesn’t solve the longer term needs of Northern Beaches residents, particularly as the State Government is demanding an increased population density in this area.

The proposal, prepared by Macquarie Bank and the Sensible Transport Action Group, recommends a short tunnel from the Spit Bridge to the Warringah Freeway at Cammeray.  The proposal included a $4 toll for the tunnel.

Mr Baird said what ever the final solution for the Spit, it must include public transport, such as a bus rapid transit system.

“Public transport must be at the core of any plan to solve Spit congestion.

“I will be seeking a meeting with Minister Daley to discuss what options are now available and how the community can be involved in developing a Spit Bridge solution,” said Mr Baird.

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