Opening of the Lane Cove Tunnel

On the 25th of March, the opening day of the Lane Cove Tunnel, a group of around 30 protesters dressed in black met at Reserve Road, Artarmon, to mourn what they consider the loss of clean air. MAD AS organizer Alex Burke led the protest, saying “we are holding a memorial service for the loss of clean air… It’s such a sad day for us.”

Not even the pouring rain could dampen MAD AS's determination to make their unhappiness known to tunnel operators and the public. Dani Finch, MAD AS treasurer, spoke passionately about their sorrow. “Members of the community have been strong and unified in their cries for sanity to prevail. Today we mourn that our efforts have been in vain. Today the Lane Cove Tunnel opens. And we the community of the lower North Shore are not smiling.


"From today fine particle pollution from which there is no safe level of exposure pumps out of stacks straight onto our homes, our workplaces our schools and our hospitals. From today we are at a greatly increased risk of asthma, cancer, heart attack. Our precious children are at much greater risk… MAD AS will not rest in peace until the Lane Cove Tunnel is filtered.”

Arizona Nicolls and Alex Burke.

Heads were then bowed in a minute’s silence. Arizona Nicholls, 11, held an 'RIP clean air' sign while ‘mourners’ laid flowers. She was one of few children present, in contrast to MAD AS's last rally at Deputy Premier Mr Watkins office in Ryde. This protest was considered too dangerous for children as it was held on the road-side. Indeed, protesters and the media spilled onto the road throughout most of the protest.

MAD AS member Elizabeth Court inspired the protestors as she circled the area in a hearse complete with a trailer carrying a coffin. Speaking through a loadspeaker, she emphasized that it’s not too late to filter the Lane Cove Tunnel. Several protesters followed in cars behind which were covered in posters demanding filtration.

After waiting until after 12:30 horns were sounded and people called for the tunnel to be opened. The tunnel was opened briefly and the first car, a black Saab, drove through the tunnel.

However it was closed again shortly afterwards, a towtruck blocking the Reserve Road entry. This mishap was due to confusion about when to open the tunnel. Poor communication between the tunnel operators had already been displayed. Many speculated that it was opened to get rid of the protesters and the cars who were sounding their horns.

The towtruck that blocked the intersection.

By Kate Schneider
25-03-2007