MAD AS march attracts large crowd

The MAD AS march through Lane Cove on Sunday the 11th of March attracted a huge crowd and several local MPs. The issue of in-tunnel filtration was once again pushed to the political forefront. Filtration of the Lane Cove Tunnel, due to open in 13 days, has been a topic of great concern for years now, since the development proposals were released. People have seen the impact the M5 has had on resident’s and want to push the State government not to make the same mistake with the Lane Cove Tunnel.

The crowd were enthusiastic and the community spirit intense. Children and adults alike came together for the occasion, an opportunity to voice their concerns. It was a historic march, the first in Lane Cove to require rolling street closures. Most people came dressed in red holding banners, and some even dressed up in monster-like costumes.

With police support the rally proceeded up Longeville Road towards the Lane Cove Plaza where speeches were held by organizers, NSW Opposition leader Peter Debnam, local members such as Anthony Roberts, Ray Kearney and Mark Curran.

MAD AS member Alex Burke tied in the issue of filtration to the wider issue of climate change.

“The world is at a crossroads about the future of our environment,” she said.

Debate raged about rumoured news that the Greens would be preferencing Labour at the upcoming election. As Mr Debnam said; “This is an argument about public safety. The Greens are chiefly defending the Labour Party.”

This was surprising and infuriating for many as the Greens were out in full force at the march. Mr Debnam promised to fully filter the tunnel if elected, which was met with great applause.















Mr Longbottom voices his concern at the increased health risks associated with a lack of in-tunnel filtration; “The motor car kills in more ways than one… No one is immune from motor car pollution.”

Dr Kearney said we should learn a lesson from the Port Kembla scandal 10 years ago, where a 14% increase in leukemia was attributed to exposure to pollution coming out of the stacks from Kurnell. The NSW Government carried out an investigation that found benzine was not linked to an increase in diseases, which was in contradiction to other studies. In the case of the Lane Cove Tunnel, the NSW EPA found a ten fold increased risk of cancers in Lane Cove precinct. "We are being hoodwinked by the RTA propaganda" Dr Kearney warned.















Mr Curran emphasized the importance of using world’s best practice standards in our tunnels. “Current design rules are over 15 years old and they treat particles as though they are not a health hazard. They are completely out of date.” Mr Curran said.

Joe Hockey pointed out that it is rare to have a community rally in Lane Cove, and that residents should keep pushing for what is needed.

“This is the beginning not the end… filtration is not an optional extra… we have to have filtration,” Mr Hockey said.

By Kate Schneider
11-03-2007