More tensions over Metro

The first signs of local tensions over support for the CBD Metro within the Labor Party have emerged, with a shift in emphasis emerging for local Labor representatives. Leichhardt ALP councillors Darcy Byrne and Lyndal Howison will continue to support the Metro project, but only on the condition adequate funding is also provided for further extensions of the line through the north-west of the city.

“We want to see a commitment made to funding the north-west,” Cr Howison said. “It’s true Darcy and I have concerns about the Metro as part of an integrated transport system – there are some criticisms about the piecemeal nature of the project which are valid.”

The shift comes despite a branch meeting of the ALP at Balmain Leagues Club on Monday, October 12, at which Transport Minister David Campbell delivered a ‘battle cry’ to members of the party to stand firm on the Metro. Sources said all Labor Party members, including MPs and councillors, were instructed to ‘stand firm’ on the Metro and extend public support for the project.

The policy was described as a “crash through or crash” approach.

The reports of tensions come hot on the heels of media stories suggesting the cost of constructing the Metro has blown out to almost $7 billion, caused by an underestimation of tunnelling costs and building stations.

Sydney Metro, however, said the reports were wrong and that the estimated cost remained $4.8 billion, with a $500m contingency. It added that all shortlisted tenderers had advised they did not leak the information and did not endorse the suggestions of a budget overrun.

Meanwhile, question marks remain over the necessity of acquiring such large tracts of land in Rozelle, as proposed by Sydney Metro. Local chemist Chadi Tahan, who has recently moved back in to his newly-renovated business premises on the corner of Victoria Road and Darling Street, is one of the businessowners whose building is under threat of compulsory acquisition and demolition.

“When we brought our surveyor and went to the consultation session at Balmain Town Hall, they said the reason they want our land is that it’s prime position,” Mr Tahan said. “That’s the only reason – [General Manager of Infrastructure for Sydney Metro] Tim Parker told us anything could be done from an engineering perspective.”

Sydney Metro maintain there are engineering reasons for seeking to compulsory acquire and demolish the earmarked premises along the junction, and in addition cite the large impact on surrounding areas during construction of such compact entrances.