Good to see AirportLink powering ahead...
Protest looms over Airport Link
Tony Moore | May 15, 2007 - 7:52PM
Tensions are rising over the proposed multi-billion dollar Airport Link tunnel project's plans to take out Kedron High School's sport ovals.
Angry teachers will stop work on Thursday in protest over plans to build a "cut and cover" tunnel through the school's oval to link with the Inner Northern Busway.
Kedron High is on Park Road at Kedron, while Wooloowin State School is on nearby Lutwyche Road.
Teachers are also upset about more than 100 truck trips carting soil close to Wooloowin State School and want air conditioning and double-glazing for the school windows.
Queensland Teachers Union president Steve Ryan is supporting the teachers' actions, claiming they had been trying since mid-2005 to learn about the project.
"And they have been making detailed submissions since mid-2006," he said.
Mr Ryan said the teachers had tried to work co-operatively with the project team, but had been repeatedly fobbed off.
"Airport Link is a $3 billion project and the Northern Busway is costed at $333 million, yet the teachers have been shortchanged again and again when they have asked how noise, pollution and safety issues will be addressed," he said.
Mr Ryan said teachers were asking for an indoor sports facility to be built at Kedron High School to take the place of the oval, airconditioning at both schools to moderate the noise and dust impacts, and for double glazing on the windows at Wooloowin State School.
He said teachers were aware of the $12 million in works promised to Brisbane State High School as compensation for Brisbane City Council's Hale Street Bridge proposal after teachers went public with their concerns.
"They are aware of other examples, where schools have been in similar situations and either lobbied the State Government or the Council, and Brisbane State High School is one of those," he said.
Transport Minister Paul Lucas' office has been asked for details of the project and what compensation issues will be offered to the schools as part of the project.
The office will reply tomorrow.