Tempers flare over M5 into Tempe

The exact route has not been confirmed but the draft outline shows it slicing through the heavily used Tempe Lands which include a golf driving range, wetlands and playing fields.

The $4.5 billion expansion aims to increase capacity on the M5 motorway, improve travel times and reduce congestion but Tempe residents argue that it will destroy the only recreational space they have available to them.

Marrickville Greens Councillor Peter Olive said he had spoken to many residents concerned by the plans and community protest groups had been formed. “We have made our opinions very clear but if push comes to shove and they pursue the idea we will have to alter our strategies and take them to another level,” Cr Olive said.

“Standing in the way of construction could be an option. Such is the feeling against the plans in the community that we are determined to stop them at any cost.”

The Government has spent $17 million and seven years transforming the former Tempe Tip site into a reserve with wildlife and fauna areas, recycled water supplies and grass fields.

Resident Patrick McInerney said Tempe is the most densely populated local government area and has the least amount of space. “We need the open space of the reserve and for a suburb whose next-door neighbour is the international airport it is great to have a beautiful park nearby,” Mr McInerney said.

“The plans are ridiculous and infuriating because there has been no real consideration at the moment from the RTA and the State Government that we are here and that we use the reserve.”

Mr McInerney created the Facebook Group “Tempe 2020” in 2008 as a forum where issues affecting the community could be discussed and is now using the group to spearhead his “No Way RTA – Hands off Tempe” campaign.

“The Tempe community is an active one and there are lots of people who are very passionate about the issue because they think of it as their park. The group is about trying to get the community to work together to step up the campaign and stop the plans.” 

The backlash against the proposal was fuelled when only some Tempe residents received letters in November notifying them about the plans, an error for which Australia Post later accepted responsibility.

REDWatch spokesperson Geoff Turnbull said that when East Tempe residents were notified of the plans in December, the letter they received only told half the story.

“The small leaflet they received was more about the duplication of the M5 tunnel and not at all about the arterial roads which would affect residents,” Mr Turnbull said.

The NSW Government is inviting individuals and organisations to make submissions about the proposed M5 Corridor expansion by February 19. An environment assessment examining issues such as traffic, air quality, noise and vibration should be on public display later this year.

Submissions can be made by: Email: m5expansion@rta.nsw.gov.au Post: RTA, M5 corridor expansion, PO Box 609, Pyrmont NSW 2009 Website: www.m5corridorexpansion.com.au

The arterial road from the M5 east tunnel to the airport and industrial areas of inner southern Sydney and Mascot comprises:

►        A new surface road with two lanes in each direction along part of the F6 corridor.

►        Single lane ramps to provide access from this new road to Qantas Drive/ Airport Drive.

►        A signalised intersection and the junction of the connection and Campbell Rd.

Source: RTA

Photo: Ali Blogg - Newtown Junior Jets fear loss of playing fields in Tempe

Source: South Sydney Herald February 2010 www.southsydneyherald.com.au