In their present state, each of the project designs would see emissions from vehicles travelling through the tunnels being concentrated and pumped out through a single stack, to the detriment of surrounding suburbs, and adding significantly to Sydney's already serious pollution problem. The proposed locations of Darling Harbour and the Turrella Valley (the Lane Cove Tunnel stack location is yet to be finalised) are both low ground sites, resulting in the concentrated pollutants being released level with houses and buildings in nearby areas. At present already between 400 and 500 people die prematurely each year in Sydney from the effects of air pollution. The RTA proposals would surely see this figure increase. This is clearly unacceptable, and verges on criminal.

Thus it is from this background that we say FIGHT THE STACKS!

The real cause for action in opposition to the use of these stacks lies in the fact that there are alternatives to their use. The technology exists to filter vehicle emissions in tunnels and is currently in use in similar tunnels overseas. To find out more about this technology as well as general information about the alternatives to these proposals, click here.

We are obviously not the first people to realise the great problem the unfiltered stacks pose as well as the clear alternatives to their use. In fact hundreds of Sydney residents have banded together around this issue, and thus a number of key players and interest groups have emerged. To find out who these are, click here.