Jennifer Pittorino
The Inner West Air Quality Network (IWAQN) says there is more to be done by the state government following the announcement of road sealing across three western suburbs.
On Monday, March 4, the state government announced it will be sealing roads in Altona, Brooklyn North and Yarraville following collaboration with IWAQN.
Altona North resident and member of the IWAQN Alex Damasoliotis said the group has been lobbying for these changes since 2018 when the West Gate tunnel project began.
“I live about three streets away from the west gate, not only do I hear it but my car is just black and grey from all the dust,” she said.
“You can’t open the windows which makes it really hard for fresh air.”
In Altona North, the state government said sections of Ross Road will be upgraded, and new on-road parking bays will be provided at Paisley Park soccer complex.
A new shared path will also be built linking Blenheim Road and Mills Street, along with fencing between the road and rail line, which Ms Damasoliotis said is welcomed by the group.
“We are delighted that something is eventually being done because this has been a long request,” she said.
“We’ve got some members in our group that have been involved with trying to make changes for 30 odd years.
“The government initiated for us to do the report and we got the group together and we went from there, so it was great to be involved.”
Ms Damasoliotis said the dust is “unbelievable“ and more work is required.
“There’s just so much, we have so many semi trailers driving around the streets and using those unsealed roads,” she said.
“All it takes is a little bit of wind and it just filters over the entire area, all over our homes, all over our cars, on our laundry if it’s drying outside.”
The state government said Francis Street from Whitehall Street to Spotswood Pier in Yarraville will undergo sealing works, and the southern end of Old Geelong Road in Brooklyn North will also be sealed.
“There is always more to be done, we have heaps of developments of apartments in the area and that’s just going to increase traffic,” she said.
Ms Damasoliotis said Blackshaws Road also needs to be sealed as well as certain streets in South Kingsville.
“Every unsealed road in the municipalities needs to be sealed, it’s so important.”
“Another thing is improving the odour in the area, which at some times is unbearable.
“You just can’t go out into the backyard, or you can’t invite people over because you’re embarrassed, it smells like a sewer out there.”
The Environment Minister was contacted for comment.
